Anyone living within 100 kilometres of Presqu'ile Provincial Park and
experiencing the same frigid weather conditions as the Park is
experiencing will understand why the spring bird migration of the past
week has been less than spectacular. Most of the expected species have
been detected but in very small numbers (with one noteworthy exception).
Standing out like a sore thumb, a male NORTHERN SHOVELER was embedded in
a flock of GREEN-WINGED TEAL on and around the shore of Popham Bay near
Owen Point. The previously reported RED-THROATED LOON was still in
Presqu'ile Bay on April 17, swimming near the shore. HORNED and
RED-NECKED GREBES are still present, a group of four of the latter
swimming in the reeds at the outer edge of the marsh. Up to three GREAT
EGRETS have been seen in the marsh. There was a sighting of an early
DUNLIN on April 19. One can expect GREATER YELLOWLEGS on the beach, as
a few have been seen this week not far from the Park. A build-up of
BONAPARTE'S GULLS occurred off the lighthouse, reaching a rough count of
~550 swimming birds on Tuesday, with another ~150 in the air, swirling
around in spectacular, shorebird-like fashion. Nary a LITTLE GULL could
be detected among them. Again this week, someone saw a BARRED OWL.
A COMMON RAVEN was seen on the weekend. Masses of swallows are
attempting to cope with the cold by seeking insects on the surface of
the lake water. Every regular species except CLIFF SWALLOW has been
detected among them, and the PURPLE MARTINS are beginning to occupy the
nest box at 192 Bayshore Road. Other insectivorous birds have been
scarce, with no BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS and only a few warblers (PINE and
YELLOW-RUMPED) being seen. An EASTERN TOWHEE at the visitor centre bird
feeder was the first of the season. A FIELD SPARROW showed up at 186
Bayshore Road. A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was at the calf pasture. Three PURPLE
FINCHES at 186 Bayshore Road were the first of the season, and a male
HOUSE SPARROW continues to frequent the feeders there.
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: [email protected].
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
_______________________________________________
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