The past week has certainly been an exciting one for birders visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park, both because of the huge numbers of waterfowl and because of the influx of spring migrant landbirds.
Scanning the hordes of birds in the water of Presqu'ile Bay from the calf pasture or the government dock, one can usually find a few Pied-billed Grebes and Horned Grebes, some of which have also been seen elsewhere around the peninsula. The ever-popular Double-crested Cormorants, unjustly deemed by many to be the villains of Presqu'ile's avifauna, put in their first appearance of the spring on the very early date of March 25, when 13 individuals were found in Presqu'ile Bay. Great Blue Herons, up to six at a time, are being seen daily in the marsh, but no Great Egrets yet. They should be arriving any day. A Turkey Vulture flew over the lighthouse on March 23. Although both March 24 and 25 were heralded by many and large flocks of Canada Geese flying noisily overhead, there have been no sightings yet of Snow Geese. There are undoubtedly going to be many more days of goose migration, and observers should be scanning the flocks for the smaller white species. One Trumpeter Swan was seen in the marsh on March 24, and one or two Tundra Swans are being seen daily. Although diving ducks still far outnumber dabbling ducks, the latter are appearing in good numbers every day, especially since the ice in the marsh has begun to disappear. A few Wood Ducks are present, along with dozens of Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Northern Pintails, and Green-winged Teal, and a few Blue-winged Teal and, on March 27, Northern Shovelers. The highlight of the week was a splendid male Eurasian Wigeon that was first discovered shortly before noon on March 27 near the calf pasture and stayed around for the rest of that day to give many observers excellent views. Among the diving ducks, a female Black Scoter on March 22 and a female Ruddy Duck at the calf pasture on March 27 were noteworthy. An adult Bald Eagle on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on March 22 gave many observers a chance to watch that magnificent bird, which stayed around for an hour or more. A Northern Harrier on March 22, three Sharp-shinned Hawks on March 25, a possible Northern Goshawk at the lighthouse on March 24, and a dark-phased Rough-legged Hawk flying north along the beach on March 26 were all likely passing through on migration. American Woodcocks have been heard performing at dusk along the marsh boardwalk, and one was seen on two consecutive days (March 21 and 22) near the lighthouse. The first Bonaparte's Gull of the year flew past the lighthouse on March 27. Several Northern Flickers were seen and heard in the Park on March 26 and 27. An Eastern Phoebe was at the lighthouse on March 25 and 26. A shrike, probably a Northern Shrike, was seen along the entrance road on March 27. The first Tree Swallow appeared at Salt Point on March 23, and several have been seen between there and the lighthouse on subsequent days. A Winter Wren, likely an early migrant, was seen along the Newcastle trail on March 26. There were several Golden-crowned Kinglets in the lighthouse area on March 25 and 26. A Swamp Sparrow was singing near the lighthouse on March 22, and there were Rusty Blackbirds in that area on March 25 and 26. Purple Finches and the rare-for-Presqu'ile House Sparrow continue to pay occasional visits to the feeders at 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. 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]>
