By this date three years ago, many spring birds had reached Presqu'ile Provincial Park, including a very early American Woodcock. Needless to say, that has not happened this year, with the exception of a few water birds. That could change any day, but for now Presqu'ile Bay is completely frozen over for the first time this winter and almost no bare ground is visible anywhere.
On those days during the past week when there was open water in the bay, there were still a few dozen Mute Swans and, on February 25, 12 Tundra Swans. On February 22, there were three Gadwalls off the government dock. The two Canvasbacks reported last week have been joined by conspecifics, reaching a total of about 60 on February 24. That number appears to have dwindled to a mere dozen or so, hugging the ice margin where the bay opens into Lake Ontario. The 2000-3000 Greater Scaup that were feeding in the bay earlier in the week are now congregating in groups along the shore between Chatterton Point and the lighthouse, along with a handful of Redheads, White-winged Scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, and the regular winter ducks. On March 8, a workshop is available at Presqu'ile for $15 to persons 14 years of age or older to provide training and assistance in the identification of waterfowl as well as instruction in their habits. To register 'phone 613-475-1688. Only one Bald Eagle was sighted this week, an immature, scuttling hopes that they might once again nest somewhere in the Park. Ruffed Grouse have been staying well hidden this winter, but one was flushed not far from where they nested last year. While most of Presqu'ile Park remains in the grip of winter, Gull Island is distinctly spring-like, with 10,000 Ring-billed Gulls, as well as Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls, milling around noisily, where none was present two weeks ago. Canada Geese and Snow Buntings were also present there on February 21. The island will be off limits after March 10. Two Northern Flickers, likely the same two that were seen on February 11, were near the campground office on February 24. The trees and bushes along Paxton Drive near the lighthouse have been alive for the past few days with several dozen American Robins and over 100 Cedar Waxwings. A Bohemian Waxwing was also reported among them, the only report of that species in the Park this winter. While the songs of the American Robins these past few bright mornings could hardly be described as lusty, their combined effect is nevertheless reminiscent of a dawn chorus. White-throated Sparrows and Common Grackles are still visiting the feeders at 83 and 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. The channel separating Gull Island from the mainland has almost disappeared, making the island almost a peninsula. The channel is only a few metres wide and about 10-15 centimetres deep. However, when the channel between the island and Owen Point is frozen, as it has been recently, the ice may be unsafe to walk on without breaking through. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, R.R. #4, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Fred Helleiner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
