Ontbirders A beautiful, late summer day greeted over 50 birders at Presqu'ile today. A morning walk to Owen Point offered close-range looks at 12 shorebird species. Although marauding Merlins and Sharp-shinned Hawks kept the shorebirds on the move, most viewers saw individual species quite well. These included Baird's, White-rumped and Pectoral Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, Sanderlings and Red Knots. The latter were life birds for several group members and several more birders made good progress in sorting out the 'peeps'. Various dabbling ducks flocked about Gull Island and, as well, Caspian Terns and Bonaparte's Gulls flew frequently about the viewing area. The next stop included the Lighthouse and Paxton Drive where songbirds proved to be very elusive. This situation was probably made worse by the constant presence of soaring raptors. The group persisted, however, and eventually came up with ten species of warblers. Just before lunch the Gilmour garden yielded bathing Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, several abrasive Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and a manic Wilson's Warbler. Songbirds continued to be tough after lunch but a pair of Merlins compensated by putting on an exciting flight display over the Calf Pasture lagoon. Later, on the way back to Owen Point, a foraging male Northern Parula was well-seen by all. As usual, our second visit to Owen Point produced great looks at previously seen shorebirds and three new species including a poorly-seen Buff-breasted Sandpiper on Gull Island. Throughout the group's travels good looks were had at 13 butterfly species. Also, a sphinx moth larva with pupation on its mind was seen tunnelling into the earth by the side of Paxton Drive. The eight species of dragonflies seen featured three types of meadowhawks, several Black Saddlebags and an uncommon Rusty Snaketail. A very full day in the field produced 75 species of birds and, no doubt in many, a desire to return to Presqu'ile.
Don and Ian Shanahan Brighton "Don Shanahan" <[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.
