On April 26 (last Saturday) there was a surge of birds arriving at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park that included several species that do not
normally return until early May. The residue of that influx, along with
a few other surprises, has kept birding interesting throughout this
week. The unsettled weather of the next few days might bring on another
wave of migrants.
While waterfowl have not totally disappeared, their numbers are such
that the migration is essentially over. As an example, Common
Goldeneyes, present in the hundreds through the winter, are now
difficult to find. Sightings of Red-throated Loons have also dwindled
to one or two in the past week. Only the flocks of Brant that pass
through Presqu'ile in early to mid-May have yet to be recorded. Great
Egrets are now a daily sighting, with as many as five visible on High
Bluff Island, where they nest.
The beach has been the scene of exciting finds this week. Four Turkey
Vultures were consuming some kind of carrion along the shore. The first
Spotted Sandpiper arrived on April 25, and Dunlins were there on April
26 and 29. On the latter date, they were accompanied by a rare find,
one of the few Western Sandpipers known to have been found in spring in
Ontario. A Wilson's Snipe was again heard winnowing in that area. Dare
we hope for a repetition of the events of May 4, 1984, when a Lesser
Sand-Plover (then known as Mongolian Plover), Five Willets, and a
Baird's Sandpiper showed up?
In the interlude between the waterfowl migration and the shorebird
migration, for both of which Presqu'ile is noted, attention has shifted
to land birds. A Chimney Swift flew over on April 26 and a
Ruby-throated Hummingbird has been at the feeder at 83 Bayshore Road
since April 27. Both of those observations may be the earliest on
record for the Park. Whip-poor-wills may also be present but are not
likely to be found unless one goes out after dusk or before dawn.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are infrequently seen but frequently heard in
the eastern part of the peninsula. A pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers
were seen excavating what appeared to be a nest hole. That species is
not known to have nested at Presqu'ile in the past. Two new flycatcher
arrivals were also early: a Least Flycatcher on April 26 and an Eastern
Kingbird on April 29. The only two vireo species seen this week were
Blue-headed Vireos and an early Warbling Vireo on April 27. Two Common
Ravens made a noisy pass over the east end of the Park on April 27,
renewing questions as to where they are living. All six of the usual
swallows have been found in the past few days. A Tufted Titmouse, the
second this spring, was around the lighthouse on April 30, but the
Carolina Wren that has been singing for weeks has either gone quiet or
moved on. One or two Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers have been around on most
days. One wonders why no American Pipits have yet been recorded.
Finally, the /piece de resistance/ for spring birders, the wood
warblers, have been making a good showing. Eight species, including a
record early Blue-winged Warbler, were discovered on April 26, and two
additional species (Black-throated Blue Warbler and Blackburnian
Warbler) were found on May 1. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were seen by
several observers on May 1. A Bobolink, perhaps a record early arrival,
was seen on April 26, the same day that Baltimore Orioles (also a
probable record early date) first appeared. A Rusty Blackbird was seen
on Paxton Drive today. The feeders at 83 Bayshore Road hosted two Pine
Siskins on May 1 and an Evening Grosbeak on April 29.
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.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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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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