The brevity of this week's report is indicative of the lull in birding that is typical of this time of year. Nevertheless, compared to inland areas, Presqu'ile Provincial Park represents a veritable treasure trove for those seeking a good variety of birds.
Common Loons and Great Egrets, while not common, can be found in various parts of the Park if one spends an entire day exploring the shores in search of water birds, and there are still a few Black-crowned Night-Herons on Sebastopol Point and elsewhere. The most surprising find of the week was an apparently healthy Tundra Swan mingling with the Canada Geese on the beach. It was present off and on from July 17 to 20. The normal summer range of that species is in north-western Canada. Another unusual water bird for this time of year was a Common Goldeneye swimming near Gull Island on July 23. Unlike the swan, there have been a few previous summer records of that species at Presqu'ile, but mostly in August. Migrant shorebirds remain concentrated on the natural beach north of Owen Point. The species involved are Semipalmated Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderlings, Semipalmated, Least, and Pectoral Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers. Several dozen Bonaparte's Gulls, including a few adults, have also been regular at the beach. In the next few weeks, Little Gulls can be expected to join them. When "northern" warblers begin to appear at the lighthouse in late July it is impossible to know whether they are the vanguard of the fall migration or simply individuals that have dispersed from other parts of the Park where they bred. A Blackburnian Warbler there on July 24 may have been in the former category. A White-throated Sparrow in full song at the lighthouse on July 20 was also a surprise. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, R.R. #4, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Fred Helleiner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
