After a flurry of migrants passed through Presqu'ile Provincial Park
last weekend, coincident with the passage of a weak cool front, the
recent return to summery conditions has made birding somewhat more
uneventful. However, the possibility of birding on Gull Island, which
was re-opened to the public today, creates a dimension to birding that
has interesting potential, at least until the commencement of the duck
hunt on September 26.* *
There are several interesting sightings to report from the heron
family. On September 6, a Least Bittern was sighted on the marsh
boardwalk and a Great Egret was also seen. A Green Heron was at the
calf pasture on September 9.
The hundreds of dabbling ducks that are congregating around Gull Island
and Owen Point include at least three Northern Shovelers and several
Northern Pintails. On September 5, two each of Greater Scaup and Lesser
Scaup flew past Owen Point. Common Goldeneyes are still present in
Popham Bay and Common Mergansers along the shore near the lighthouse.
There are several Merlins to be seen almost every day at both Owen Point
and the calf pasture, and occasionally a Peregrine Falcon at Owen
Point. Less predictable raptors seen during the past week include
Cooper's Hawks, a Red-shouldered Hawk, and two Broad-winged Hawks, the
latter an uncommon species at Presqu'ile.
While shorebird numbers are down somewhat from a week ago, there is
still sufficient variety (20 species during the past week) to entice
many birders to the Park. Among the highlights of the week are American
Golden-Plovers (regular at Owen Point since September 9), a Whimbrel
there on September 6, Red Knots at Owen Point and Gull Island, a Western
Sandpiper last reported on September 5, a few Dunlins, and a
Buff-breasted Sandpiper that usually frequents the sand bar at the east
end of Gull Island.
Pockets of migrating land birds have appeared intermittently during the
past week, especially at the lighthouse and along Paxton Drive. They
are usually on the move in the treetops, which makes identification a
challenge. Olive-sided Flycatchers were at the lighthouse on September
8 and 9. American Pipits were at Owen Point on September 5 and 6. Most
of the common warblers (17 species at last count) have put in at least
one appearance, albeit in small numbers. In one tree along Paxton Drive
on September 9 there were four Northern Parulas, along with several
other species.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven.
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.
