Although the trees in Presqu'ile Provincial Park are not yet "dripping with birds", as they sometimes appear to be during fall migration, there is now a steady stream of migrants in various parts of the Park to complement the avifauna of the beach, which has been the focus of birders' attention in recent weeks.
People are finding Common Loons and Great Egrets in places where they have been absent or sporadic all summer. Ducks are congregating along the shores of Gull Island (which remains off limits for two more weeks). Included among the mostly Mallards are at least one of each of the following species: Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, and Green-winged Teal. Five Common Goldeneyes have been sighted regularly in Popham Bay for almost two weeks. Two Common Mergansers have been patrolling the shoreline from Salt Point around the lighthouse and beyond Denson Cottage. Seven species of hawks have been seen in the Park during the past week: Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk (never common in the Park), American Kestrel, and Merlin. A Common Moorhen was seen on two consecutive days in the woodpile marsh. Shorebirds of fifteen species have been scattered all the way from Beach 2 to Gull Island, but in slightly disappointing numbers. Now that the water level is dropping noticeably, more suitable habitat will likely become exposed and there should be a corresponding increase in shorebirds. Among the more noteworthy sightings of the past week are Solitary Sandpiper, 2 Whimbrels, a Ruddy Turnstone, a White-rumped Sandpiper, an early Dunlin on August 28, and numbers of Baird's Sandpipers that exceed anything that the writer has previously observed (fifteen in one flock alone). On at least one day they outnumbered all other shorebirds in the area. The recent prevalence of this normally uncommon species in other parts of the province invites comments and/or explanations. There was also a third-hand, unconfirmed report of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Gull Island. A juvenile Black Tern was at Owen Point on August 28. Two Common Nighthawks flew south over the Park on August 27, and early the following morning a Whip-poor-will awakened two birders in their cottage at 83 Bayshore Road. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Pileated Woodpeckers are more evident than they have been all summer, with three of the latter birds appearing in one tree at the calf pasture on August 28. An Olive-sided Flycatcher appeared on two different dates this week near Paxton Drive. Although Purple Martins have thinned out considerably, a small flock flew in from across Presqu'ile Bay on the evening of August 28. A Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher was at the lighthouse on August 24. Thirteen species of warblers, including Tennessee, Mourning, and Wilson's, have been seen at Presqu'ile this week, the highest number since the spring. Among other new arrivals, there have been several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and an Indigo Bunting. 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 until September 11 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.
