There has been some recent movement in the bird world at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park and at least one newly arrived fall migrant. Otherwise,
breeding birds continue to dominate.
A GADWALL with three young appeared on July 6. Some diving ducks in
Popham Bay are of interest: a male GREATER SCAUP this morning; two
flocks of LONG-TAILED DUCKS totalling 23 birds on July 6; five COMMON
MERGANSERS on July 6. A young PIED-BILLED GREBE was in the marsh on
July 3. Up to six GREAT EGRETS can be seen from the mainland, though
ten nests are known to be on High Bluff Island. No fall shorebirds have
yet arrived though a LESSER YELLOWLEGS at the nearby constructed wetland
yesterday suggests that they might be imminent at Presqu'ile. For the
second consecutive week, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen with young in
tow, and a single adult was also found. A very early BONAPARTE'S GULL
in full breeding plumage was on the beach yesterday. One or two GREAT
BLACK-BACKED GULLS were seen on three different days. The COMMON TERN
colony on Gull Island is said to be doing well since being protected
from predation from the ever-present BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were at two different locations. A bird flying
over the marsh on July 5 was identified as a SHORT-EARED OWL though
there are no previous July records for the Park. A RED-HEADED
WOODPECKER was anonymously reported on July 3. After
uncharacteristically few BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER sightings this spring and
summer, one was near the lighthouse yesterday and today. A
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was feeding young there today. Extensive efforts
over the past couple of years to create a natural meadow free of
invasive plants in the calf pasture appear to be paying off, as a highly
agitated male BOBOLINK was found there on Monday. A family of ORCHARD
ORIOLES was also there on that day. After a hiatus of six days, a
single PINE SISKIN returned today to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road.
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.
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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