This report will be rather short as Presqu'ile Provincial Park has been closed since Sunday December 7 at 6:00pm. This is due to a deer cull being carried out by the Bay of Quinte Mohawks along with MNR and Ontario Parks staff. Recent most published information indicates that the park will reopen at noon on Friday, December 12.
On December 7 two female King Eiders were re-found in the waters west of Sebastopol Island (located just north of Gull Island). White-winged Scoters, Long-tailed Ducks and Common Goldeneyes were also found in the vicinity of the eiders. Rafts of Buffleheads were present to the south of Gull Island and along the south shore of the park. Cold weather left almost no open shoreline on Gull Island and, not surprisingly, no shorebirds could be found. This week's thaw could make the shoreline more hospitable to any Purple Sandpipers in the vicinity. Birders will have to wait until Sunday, December 14 before access to Gull Island is allowed. Anyone travelling to the island should wear hip boots and be prepared to confront strong currents and wavy conditions. A Northern Shrike frequented the Calf Pasture on December 7. Seven Horned Larks were also seen on Gull Island on December 7. A solitary Song Sparrow foraged in meagre cover on Sebastopol Island and two Common Redpolls foraged among weeds on Gull Island on December 7. Two Pine Siskins visited a feeder at 186 Bayshore Road on December 7. To reach Presqu'ile, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid available at the Park gate. It should also be noted that because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Gull Island, Owen Point and part of the Calf Pasture are not available for bird watching on these days. Don Shanahan Brighton "Don Shanahan" <[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.
