In many ways, the latter half of June and most of July represent the doldrums for birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, as the spring migration has ended and the fall migration has not yet begun. Nevertheless, because of the variety of habitats in the Park, there is always something of interest to be found.
On June 18, two Common Loons were calling excitedly to each other at the lighthouse, reminiscent of early mornings on lakes of the Canadian Shield. While carrying out a vegetation survey in the marsh, two observers discovered three Least Bitterns on June 18. Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons nest on the offshore islands, but are more regularly seen by birders either flying to and from the islands or feeding around the shores of Presqu'ile Bay, including the marsh. Mute Swans, the beautiful obscenities of Presqu'ile's waterfowl, have produced six cygnets in one family visible from the campground office viewing station. In a convincing article in the most recent issue of BirdWatch Canada, Dr. Scott Petrie writes compellingly of the menace that this introduced species represents: "As one of the most aggressive species of waterfowl in the world, Mute Swans not only regularly attack other species of waterfowl and other wetland-dependant birds, they also are known to attack humans. . . . In addition to displacing other waterfowl from their territories, Mute Swans have also been reported to kill ducks, Canada Geese, Pied-billed Grebes, and herons. . . . Given the present rate of increase, whatever control measures are selected should be undertaken as soon as possible, before the population becomes too large to control." Among other waterfowl at Presqu'ile, a male and female Redhead were seen at Gull Island on June 14, a Blue-winged Teal was seen on June 15, and three American Wigeons were at the beach on June 16. Although most of the transient shorebirds have departed for points north, a small group of Ruddy Turnstones may still be around. There were five on June 14, four on June 16, and three on June 18, all at the beach. The latest sighting of the one-legged White-rumped Sandpiper that had been frequenting beach 3 was reported on June 13. A Bonaparte's Gull at Salt Point on June 18 was late. Black Terns, formerly an abundant breeding bird in Presqu'ile's marshes, have become rare in the Park in recent years, but two individuals were seen flying over on June 18. Both Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos were in the Park this week, the former calling near Owen Point on June 18 and the latter reported from Elmvale campground on June 15. On June 14, a Willow Flycatcher was seen along the Owen Point trail, where willow trees are the most abundant species of tree. Although Purple Martins have occupied several nest boxes near the end of Bayshore Road, the two or three that were seen over beach 1 on June 18 were probably from some other colony. At the calf pasture on June 15, the song of a Blue-winged Warbler was heard, though it is well known that Golden-winged Warblers also sing that song. A Black-throated Green Warbler was there on June 18. 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.
