Typical early winter weather predominated at Presqu'ile this week. Though mostly frozen, Presqu'ile Bay continues to have one open stretch of water leading almost to the Calf Pasture. Flotillas of Mute Swans continued to gather in the bay, particularly on the far, or north, side. Common Mergansers could usually be seen at the front end of the open water. In full winter regalia and vocal, Long-tailed Ducks were all over the bay as well as along the Park's south shore and about Gull Island. Common Goldeneyes were also widespread and numerous Buffleheads gathered along the Park's south shore. Mallards and American Black Ducks remain abundant about Gull and High Bluff Islands. Five Redheads were off the mouth of Presqu'ile Bay on December 18 and the same day yielded a dozen or so Greater Scaup at the foot of Langdon Lane (opposite 85 Bayshore Road). Thirteen White-winged Scoters flew by Sebastopol Island on December 16.
December 16 produced a Bald Eagle on High Bluff Island and, on Gull Island, a juvenile Northern Harrier that displayed impressive flying skills while quartering in brisk winds. Just outside the Park and to the west, a Rough-legged Hawk was spotted on December 18. Nearby in Brighton, a Merlin spent most of December 16 on a mid-town television antenna. Uncommon at Presqu'ile, a Ruffed Grouse was seen on December 18 in the eastern Panne area between beach access roads two and three. A Northern Flicker flew across the same area two days earlier and would be welcome if making a reappearance on Sunday's Christmas Bird Count. A single Bonaparte's Gull cruised by a blustery Owen Point on December 16, while most other gulls seen in the same area were Greater Black-backs. Red-breasted Nuthatches were vocal and common throughout the week on the edge of the woods in the eastern Panne. Thirty or so American Robins continued to forage on Buckthorn berries about the Calf Pasture. One bird in the flock seen on December 17 was so pale as to be reminiscent of birds from the south-western United States. Two Common Grackles remained about feeders at 83 Bayshore Road. During a December 14 snow squall on Gull Island, a pair of Snow Buntings stopped foraging frequently in order to bathe in the snow. At the same time and place, and also on December 16, a flock of Common Redpolls fed on weed seeds. The flock contained at least one Hoary Redpoll. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Park locations are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid available at the Park gate. The waters to Gull Island seem to have become deeper of late and hip boots may not be high enough to keep one dry. Waves and strong currents can make the crossing rather dicey. Don 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.
