With the exception of shorebirds, of which a good number were still
present yesterday, and one or two surprises, the bird life at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park has settled into its summer routine.
The BRANT that was reported last week was still present on June 1 and 2,
but has apparently not been seen since. Other waterfowl are the same
species that normally remain in small numbers all summer, except for two
LONG-TAILED DUCKS on June 4 and several RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. For
the past three days an adult RED-THROATED LOON showing signs of illness
has been patrolling the waterfront between Salt Point and the
lighthouse, giving excellent looks to the residents of that stretch of
Bayshore Road as it remains within a few metres of shore. COMMON LOONS
are also in that area. GREAT EGRETS can be seen on most days. A
PEREGRINE FALCON that flew past Owen Point on June 1 was unexpected.
The migrant shorebirds on the beach and on Gull Island on June 6 were
four SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, fourteen RUDDY TURNSTONES, about 60
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, two WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and two DUNLINS.
A SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER that was observed recently with a flag on one
leg has been tracked to its banding location in Argentina. Twelve
BONAPARTE'S GULLS were still at Owen Point on June 6. The first COMMON
TERN egg hatched this week, a record early date. At this time of year
local birders are reminded that in mid-June of 1988 a SANDWICH TERN
appeared and spent a number of days at Presqu'ile.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS have been scarce in the Park this spring, but one
was found on June 6 at the entrance to beach 3. There are a few BANK
SWALLOWS around the cliffs along the day use area, but in much smaller
numbers than in previous years. One reliable place to hear a MOURNING
WARBLER is behind the parking lot for the group campground trails. An
EASTERN TOWHEE singing from the top of a dead tree was more conspicuous
than usual for that species. ORCHARD ORIOLES continue to be seen and
heard regularly. A PURPLE FINCH visited a feeder at 186 Bayshore Road
on June 3.
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. Birders are encouraged to record their
observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground
office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird
report for species not listed there.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: fhellei...@trentu.ca.
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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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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/