Although bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has almost come to a halt, there were still several exciting finds during the past week to keep birders on their toes.
A Least Bittern was seen along the marsh boardwalk on two different occasions, June 8 and 10, and is likely to remain in that area for the summer. Great Egrets continue to feed in the marsh, and can often be seen flying to and from their nesting site on High Bluff Island. On June 12, four Turkey Vultures were feeding among the Canada Geese on the beach north of beach 1. The male Canvasback that has spent the past 12 days in Presqu'ile Bay can usually be found between 16 and 18 Bayshore Road. The Lesser Scaup in that area has not been seen since June 6. A flock of 15-20 White-winged Scoters flew past the lighthouse on June 8. A probable Peregrine Falcon flew past 38 Bayshore Road on June 8. Shorebirds are about the only birds that are still migrating through the Park. The most interesting discovery was that one of the colour-banded Red Knots seen at Presqu'ile on June 3 had been banded on May 20 of this year in Argentina. One other of those birds had also been banded in Argentina in 1998. Several of the others originated in Delaware. Clearly, the patience that is needed to observe and record the colours of bands on shorebirds' legs can pay off, and Presqu'ile is a good place to find such birds. The latest Black-bellied Plover of the spring was seen on June 10, but a Semipalmated Plover was still present at beach 3 on June 12. An American Avocet, perhaps only the third record for Presqu'ile Park, put in a brief, fog-enshrouded visit to beach 3 on June 8. Ruddy Turnstones (7), Sanderlings, and Semipalmated and White-rumped Sandpipers on the beach and on Gull Island were the only other migrant shorebirds still present on June 12. An American Woodcock was seen at the entrance to "the fingers" on June 7. This seems to be the time of year when unusual terns show up at Presqu'ile. Fifteen years ago, a Sandwich Tern spent twelve days in the Park, from June 14 onward. On June 10 and 11 of this year, up to four Forster's Terns were sighted on beach 1. It has been several years since Black Terns nested in the marsh, but summer sightings are possible as individuals begin to wander away from their nesting areas. A Black-billed Cuckoo was on the Owen Point trail on June 8, and a Common Nighthawk flew over the calf pasture on June 7. A few late migrants at the lighthouse included a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher on June 8. The two Wood Thrushes found in Jobes' woods on June 7 were likely summer residents. A Northern Mockingbird was at the calf pasture on June 10. The tail end of the spring warbler migration was still evident in the lighthouse area on June 6, 7, and 8. Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, and Blackpoll Warblers were there on June 6, a very late Yellow-rumped Warbler was there on the 7th, and another Blackpoll Warbler and an American Redstart were there on the 8th. There was also a report of a Palm Warbler there on the 7th, but since it would be almost three weeks later than the previous record, some supporting details would be required for it to be confirmed. A description was provided for another warbler seen there on that date, which was probably a Wilson's Warbler, also rather late but much more likely on that date. Birders often inquire about Orchard Orioles at Presqu'ile, where that species is fairly regular. At this time of year, a good place to look for them would be between Paxton Drive and 75 Bayshore Road, where an adult male was singing lustily near noon on June 12. 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]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
