Birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week has been typical of
early to mid-May. Some days are rich in migrants while others are
relatively slow. Even on slow days, however, newly returned birds can
always be found, albeit in smaller numbers.
On Monday of this week, the BRANT migration got off to a good start,
with one flock of 800 birds passing by. For the following two days,
more flocks totalling over 2,000 birds were seen, and a few of the birds
stopped to rest around Gull Island. The ducks have thinned out, but
both SURF and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were still present this week. The
same is true of divers, but a couple of RED-THROATED LOONS and a HORNED
GREBE were seen on May 9 and a RED-NECKED GREBE on the following day. A
call came in just a moment ago (8:49 p.m.) that a LEAST BITTERN is at
the marsh boardwalk. GREAT EGRETS are hardly worth mentioning because
of their continuing presence on their High Bluff Island nests. A GREEN
HERON was behind one of the cottages on May 9.
This was a surprisingly good week for raptors at Presqu'ile. Among
others, there was a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, a BROAD-WINGED HAWK, a
first-for-the-Park SWAINSON'S HAWK, and a PEREGRINE FALCON. There were
several WILD TURKEY sightings in disparate locations, suggesting more
than the one individual that has been here for months. A SORA was heard
calling in the marsh. Among shorebirds, the highlight was another
banded PIPING PLOVER on May 10, the second in about a week. The first
was traced to its origin in northern Michigan, and it seems likely that
the more recent one was also from there if indeed it was a different
bird. Given the difficulty of spotting that species on such a broad
expanse of beach, it may well be that only one individual is involved
and that a more extensive search may again turn it up. Other shorebirds
have turned up in small numbers, including BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER,
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, and RUDDY TURNSTONE, but the
major influx is not yet here. Within the next week, one can expect a
few SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and perhaps the first of the WHIMBRELS. One
observer watched an AMERICAN WOODCOCK out on the road with four young
ones in tow.
Among land birds, the first BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS should be arriving
soon. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS continue to be seen and heard here and
there. A late YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was seen on May 10 and 12. The
hordes of EASTERN KINGBIRDS that were everywhere today presage the main
influx of other flycatchers, including perhaps a WESTERN KINGBIRD like
the one that was here in May of 2000. The anticipated migration of BLUE
JAYS is now in full swing, and even BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES have been
migrating past the lighthouse for the past several mornings. BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS can be found with a little effort. A number of observers
saw a co-operative NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD this morning.
Warblers are one of the main attractions at Presqu'ile at this time of
year. A GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER was at the calf pasture today and a
CERULEAN WARBLER was at the marsh boardwalk parking lot yesterday. An
early BLACKPOLL WARBLER was found this morning. Others have been too
numerous (in variety if not yet quantity) to mention. Other colourful
birds regularly sought after include SCARLET TANAGERS, which have just
started to trickle in. Several competent birders heard the unmistakable
"song" of a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW on May 8. A few LINCOLN'S SPARROWS
have been seen, as well as a few late DARK-EYED JUNCOES. Many
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS and a few INDIGO BUNTINGS are giving even
beginning birders what they had hoped for. The first BOBOLINKS appeared
on May 7, and a lingering RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen on May 6. ORCHARD
ORIOLES and dozens of BALTIMORE ORIOLES are ubiquitous. A female
EVENING GROSBEAK was near the lighthouse on May 9 and at 83 Bayshore
Road on May 10.
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, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
_______________________________________________
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