The mix of birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has changed very little
in the past week, as expected in late June/early July. Nevertheless,
the exceptional variety for which the Park is noted and the potential
for something out of the ordinary justify the effort to spend a day
birding at Presqu'ile, even in mid-summer.
A few WOOD DUCKS continue to be seen in the marsh. The COMMON LOON that
flew past the lighthouse was likely not one of the family that made the
marsh their home this spring. With a scope GREAT EGRETS can be observed
on their nests on High Bluff Island. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON flew
past the lighthouse one evening. Four OSPREYS were circling overhead on
June 28. A COMMON GALLINULE in the marsh was one of very few seen at
Presqu'ile this year. The first of the fall migrant shorebirds will
likely be arriving this month, if not in the next week. An adult
AMERICAN WOODCOCK escorted three young ones across a busy road, with the
encouragement/assistance of the Park Naturalist. On Monday and
Wednesday, an immature GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Owen Point. Again
this week, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was near the Owen Point trail parking lot.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was at 83 Bayshore Raod. Seeing two PILEATED
WOODPECKERS one morning this week was a bit unusual, though the birds
are known to be present all year. Likewise, a MERLIN that was seen on
Sunday was not totally unexpected since that species breeds in the
Park. In the not-quite-sure category was a briefly glimpsed and not
re-located bird that gave the observer the impression that it might have
been a WESTERN KINGBIRD. Birders should be on the lookout in the west
portion of the calf pasture. A BROWN CREEPER that was heard in
Newcastle woods was an example of a species that is not often found in
southern Ontario in summer. ORCHARD ORIOLES are most reliably seen at
83 Bayshore Road and in the calf pasture. A PURPLE FINCH was at 83
Bayshore Road and from one to four PINE SISKINS have been daily visitors
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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