The spring bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park is now well under way.
Until recently, most of the migrants have been waterfowl, but during the past
few days, a good variety of other birds have also arrived.
All three of the regular species of grebes were present on March 24/25. Up to
three Pied-billed Grebes have been seen on most days since March 15 in
Presqu'ile Bay, four Horned Grebes were seen on March 25, and a Red-necked
Grebe was seen in two different places on March 24 (the government dock on
Bayshore Road, and off the lighthouse). No loons have yet been reported, but
they do frequently arrive at about the same time as the grebes.
Four Double-crested Cormorants, the first of the season, flew over the Park on
March 24. Great Blue Herons have been around their nests on High Bluff Island
since March 19, and individuals have been seen several times in other parts of
the Park.
Now that flocks of Canada Geese are flying over, observers are reminded to scan
them for Snow Geese, which occasionally accompany them. There was a report of
three Tundra Swans in the marsh near the bird sightings board on March 25.
Within the past two days (March 24/25), there has been a significant influx of
dabbling ducks in the few patches of open water in the marsh: a Wood Duck on
March 24; two Blue-winged Teal on March 24; about 20 Northern Pintails (more
than twice as many as have been around previously this spring); two
Green-winged Teal on March 25. Northern Shovelers and possibly a Eurasian
Wigeon are to be looked for in the next week or so. There are thousands of
diving ducks, but none that have not been present for at least three weeks.
A Sharp-shinned Hawk and another unidentified accipiter on March 20 and a
Peregrine Falcon in a tree at the calf pasture on March 25 were this week's
highlights among raptors.
A Killdeer on March 25 and several American Woodcocks on recent evenings are the only
"shorebirds" found as yet at Presqu'ile. An early Belted Kingfisher was seen
on March 25. At the calf pasture, there was a Northern Shrike on March 20 and an
unidentified shrike on March 25. Last year, the first Tree Swallow appeared on March 23,
another species that is likely to arrive any day.
A few Song Sparrows have joined the two that over-wintered on Bayshore Road,
and a Brown-headed Cowbird has joined the flock of other blackbirds patronizing
feeders near Langdon Avenue. The only winter finches known to be at Presqu'ile
this week were a Common Redpoll on March 20 and two Pine Siskins making the
rounds of feeders between 83 and 186 Bayshore Road between March 19 and 21.
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.
