Whereas, a month ago, water birds dominated the birding scene at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park and land birds were scarcely worth a mention, the situation is
now completely reversed. In fact, the four days beginning on April 29 were
regarded by some as the best four consecutive days for land birds in their
memory.
Red-throated Loons can still be found in good numbers (10 - 12) in Popham Bay
when viewing conditions are suitable. Three Red-necked Grebes were also there
on May 2. A male Eurasian Wigeon put in a brief appearance there on the
preceding day. Most diving ducks evacuated Presqu'ile Bay on the opening day
of fishing season (May 1), but prior to that there were still scores of
Ring-necked Ducks and scaup (mostly Lesser Scaup) and a few Canvasbacks and
Redheads. In Lake Ontario, there were still Common Goldeneyes up till May 2.
The Yellow Rail that was first discovered a week ago has been heard calling
almost every day since then, including May 6. The location is the first
viewing platform on the marsh boardwalk, and the preferred times are early
morning and dusk. Just outside the Park, a Sandhill Crane flew overhead on May
3. A Greater Yellowlegs was heard at the marsh on May 6. Seven Lesser
Yellowlegs and a Least Sandpiper flew over the beach on May 2. A Little Gull
flying past Owen Point on May 1 was the only record of that species at
Presqu'ile so far this year.
A Whip-poor-will was calling near the park store on May 1. The first of
several Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers seen in the Park this week were
on April 30, apparently a record early date for both species. At least two
early Great Crested Flycatchers were seen, the first on May 1. The Blue Jay
migration that began almost two weeks ago is now in full swing at the
lighthouse, with several flocks of 50-60 birds appearing every morning. Wood
Thrushes were first seen on May 2, and a Gray Catbird on May 1. Two American
Pipits were on the beach on May 2. Of the nineteen species of warblers in the
Park during the past week, the most noteworthy were two Blue-winged Warblers
(May 1 and 2)and two Orange-crowned Warblers (May 3 and 5). Some unusually
early sightings were Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, and American Redstart
(May 1), and Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, and Bay-breasted Warblers (May 2).
A Scarlet Tanager and an Indigo Bunting on May 1 were also early, but an
American Tree Sparrow on the same date was late. Both Orchard and Baltimore
Orioles were seen regularly seen this week.
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.
