Astronomically, spring is still a month away and meteorologically it is
still over the horizon at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, but
ornithologically there are signs, in terms of bird song and other
behaviours, that it is imminent.
Waterfowl movements, as well as other bird activities, are showing signs
of /Zugunruhe/, a term coined by German ornithologists and adopted
elsewhere that can be loosely interpreted as migratory (or, more
accurately, pre-migratory) restlessness. Although Canada Geese, Mute
Swans, and Tundra Swans remain apparently unaffected by such stirrings,
the number of diving ducks, especially Greater Scaup, has increased this
week to several thousand. Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers have
also become more plentiful, though still only in double digits. The
male Barrow's Goldeneye, a fixture opposite 186 Bayshore Road for the
past eight consecutive days, was a "lifer" for three of the six
Philadelphia birders who were in the Park on the weekend who had never
before seen that species.
A Northern Harrier and a Northern Goshawk were both at the calf pasture
within minutes of each other. Both of the Carolina Wrens that have been
over-wintering on Bayshore Road were singing loudly last Saturday
morning. Both Bohemian Waxwings and Cedar Waxwings have appeared at
Presqu'ile this week, in separate flocks and in a mixed flock. There is
still a White-throated Sparrow at 83 Bayshore Road. The Common Grackle
that has been wintering on Bayshore Road has not been seen in its usual
places for three days, perhaps having experienced /Zugunruhe/! Pine
Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls are still wandering around the east end of
the Park. For two consecutive days an American Goldfinch fed
voraciously at the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, the first of that
species seen in the Park since December, - apparently a new arrival,
though not necessarily from the south.
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. Gull Island is no longer an island,
the connection to the mainland having been established several months ago.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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