More birders have been visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week in
anticipation of seeing fall migrants, and most have not been disappointed.
This is not yet waterfowl season, but a few of note in recent days are
an AMERICAN WIGEON, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, three GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a few
REDHEADS, about ten WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and a LONG-TAILED DUCK. A
COMMON LOON was off the lighthouse. GREAT EGRETS can still be seen on
High Bluff Island, where they nested. A NORTHERN HARRIER flew in from
across Presqu'ile Bay one morning.
This morning an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was on the beach before flying
off. Other migrant shorebirds have included several SANDERLINGS and a
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER. It is not too early to be on the lookout for
RED-NECKED PHALAROPES or BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, both of which show up
at Presqu'ile almost every year.
Yesterday someone saw a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, and someone else saw a
GREAT HORNED OWL. Two each of PILEATED WOODPECKER and MERLIN were seen
by a lucky observer. An ALDER FLYCATCHER reported on August 18 must
have been calling for it to be specifically identified, though calling
at that late date would be unusual. A report of a BLUE-HEADED VIREO on
August 18 would be a record early date if confirmed. A COMMON RAVEN
flew by on August 17. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was at the lighthouse on
Tuesday. Among the 14 warbler species seen this week were TENNESSEE,
NASHVILLE, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, YELLOW-RUMPED, CANADA, and
WILSON'S. Another that was glimpsed briefly might have been a
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS are also showing up
among migrant birds.
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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