Bird songs have slowed down considerably at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, making it difficult to locate those that hide in the trees. On the other hand, birds along the shores are providing plenty of variety to keep birding interesting.
Two Common Loons put in regular appearances in the outer part of Presqu'ile Bay, where it approaches the lighthouse. A mixed flock of dabbling ducks, mostly Mallards and Gadwalls, feeds along the shore of Gull Island every day. Three Redheads were there on July 14. Plovers and sandpipers are enjoying a feeding frenzy in the mass of algae that has accumulated along the beach from Beach 3 to Owen Point. The first Semipalmated Plover arrived on July 15, and two were there on the following day. A Whimbrel put in a brief appearance on July 12. The Least Sandpipers that have been there all month have been joined by a few Semipalmated Sandpipers, the first of which arrived on July 14. A Pectoral Sandpiper was seen on July 15. Small numbers (up to six) of Short-billed Dowitchers have been present every day since July 14. In the next few weeks, both the numbers and the variety of shorebirds at Presqu'ile are likely to continue to grow. Up to 27 Bonaparte's Gulls have been at the beach, and one was seen at the lighthouse as well. Most are immatures, but an adult was on Gull Island on July 17. There is still a Black-billed Cuckoo in the tall trees around the lighthouse, occasionally making its presence known by a brief bout of calling. A Magnolia Warbler, probably a summer resident rather than a migrant, was seen in Newcastle Woods on July 13. The most reliable place to find an Indigo Bunting is at the intersection of Paxton Drive and Atkins Lane, where one is singing almost every morning. 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.
