The long-awaited break in the weather predicted for this weekend is likely to produce a flood of spring migrant birds to Presqu'ile Provincial Park. A few have already arrived.
Waterfowl viewing is excellent from several vantage points along Bayshore Road, as well as the lake shore along Lighthouse Lane. A Red-necked Grebe, likely the same bird as the one seen a week earlier, was seen off Salt Point on March 11. About 120 Mute Swans have returned to Presqu'ile Bay after an absence of a few weeks. Five Tundra Swans are also present there. The first two American Wigeons of the year appeared there on March 12, and the first six Ring-necked Ducks on the following day. White-winged Scoters in small groups of up to six individuals are seen almost every day now, both in the bay and in the open lake. A female Black Scoter was in the open lake just west of the lighthouse on March 13. One or two immature Bald Eagles have been seen several times this week, sometimes flying past and at other times feeding on the ice or perched in a tree. On March 10, a Northern Goshawk and probably a second one were seen at 85 Bayshore Road. A Northern Flicker flew overhead near the lighthouse on March 9. Although Horned Larks returned to this part of Ontario several weeks ago, the first one of the year in Presqu'ile Park was a lone bird along the roadside at the calf pasture on March 12. As many as 80 American Robins flew over in a loose flock as if migrating on March 8. The most reliable place for seeing that species recently has been on Paxton Drive just east of Atkins Lane. The wintering Song Sparrow at 83 Bayshore Road was still there on March 9, and the White-throated Sparrow and two Common Grackles at 186 Bayshore Road were still there on March 13. 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] -- 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]>
