At this time of year it is difficult, if not impossible, to know whether
some of the birds being seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park are newly
arrived southbound migrants or simply birds that have wandered away from
a nearby breeding location. However, the remarkable concentration of
birds around the lighthouse this morning was reminiscent of the best
migration days, the numbers of birds being inflated by this year's crop
of young ones that have not yet succumbed to predation or any of the
other perils of migration. At the other end of the peninsula, around
Owen Point, the numbers of birds are down from their peak during the
breeding season, but a few unequivocally southbound migrants are among them.
In Popham Bay, there are ducks that have been present all summer,
including GADWALLS, REDHEADS, up to six GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and a scaup
(on July 26), as well as a female COMMON MERGANSER. A COMMON LOON was
calling as it flew over Jobes' woods. Up to 14 PIED-BILLED GREBES have
been counted at one time in Presqu'ile Bay, indicative of a successful
breeding season. Not all of the GREAT EGRETS have left their nests on
High Bluff Island, but the species is being seen flying past several
other parts of the Park. OSPREYS are being seen singly or in pairs over
Presqu'ile Bay and Popham Bay. The only migrant shorebird species seen
during the past week are LESSER YELLOWLEGS and BAIRD'S, SEMIPALMATED and
LEAST SANDPIPERS, leading the Park Naturalist to ask whimsically, "Where
are all the shorebirds?" An adult BONAPARTE'S GULL at Owen Point on
July 26 was the first of that species in almost a month and the first
adult since the spring. Two more adults were over Presqu'ile Bay
today. COMMON TERNS have all but disappeared from their breeding area
on Gull Island.
A BARRED OWL was heard behind 83 Bayshore Road on July 23. PILEATED
WOODPECKERS were found on two consecutive days. EASTERN KINGBIRDS have
become more plentiful, or at least more visible, in recent days. From
past experience, their peak numbers should be reached in the next week
or two. A COMMON RAVEN was calling in Jobes' woods on July 26. Most of
the PURPLE MARTINS and other swallows have departed from their nest
sites and are now gathering by the dozens along power lines and on
television antennas and other structures. The CAROLINA WREN that has
been frequenting the property at 83 Bayshore Road has begun to
investigate the buildings on that site. What appears to be a family
group of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS has been at the lighthouse and nearby.
From now on, migrating warblers will begin appearing. In fact, a
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER on July 23 and a probable TENNESSEE WARBLER on
July 26 were likely new arrivals. Two MOURNING WARBLERS today may also
have been. Twice recently a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was at the
lighthouse, and ORCHARD ORIOLES are still present 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.
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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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