Most of this week's sightings came on the Presqu'ile and Area Christmas Bird Count (CBC) held on December 21. Strong west winds put most songbirds down, prevented birders from hearing chance vocalizations and made observing anything out in the open very difficult.
The CBC produced a late Horned Grebe off the Government Dock (off Bayshore Road) and, just outside the Park on Lakeshore Road, a very late American Bittern. The congregation of Mute Swans gathering in the open part of Presqu'ile Bay was joined by at least one Tundra Swan. American Black Ducks and Mallards continued to be numerous about Gull and High Bluff Islands and a handful of Redheads and Greater Scaup were seen in Presqu'ile Bay on the CBC. As usual, large numbers of Long-tailed Ducks, Buffleheads and Common Goldeneyes were present just about anywhere offshore in the Park. A merganser 'hat trick' for the CBC was accomplished when a female Hooded Merganser was found off the Government Dock. The Common and Red-breasted Mergansers were also seen in Presqu'ile Bay. Two Bald Eagles frequented the Peninsula during the CBC and, on the same day, a probable Northern Goshawk was observed dashing into bush on the edge of the northern panne. Just north in Brighton, a Merlin continues to be seen, usually perched atop television aerials. During the CBC, a single Northern Coot was found in waters of the Government Dock. Despite an abundance of suitable shoreline, Gull Island failed to yield a Purple Sandpiper during and around the CBC. The sighting of a single bird in November was, atypically, Presqu'ile's only Purple of 2003. Gulls at Presqu'ile continued to be routine; however, a first winter Glaucous Gull was seen off Owen Point on December 24. Though Presqu'ile's duck hunt is finished for the year, wounded Mallards continued to be present on Gull Island. As such birds are usually picked off by Snowy Owls, the ducks' presence suggests that no Snowies are in the area. A Northern Flicker was seen at 83 Bayshore Road on December 20 and a Northern Shrike was seen about feeders the next day at the same address. Another shrike was spotted in the Calf Pasture during the CBC. An impressive 33 Red-breasted Nuthatches were tallied in the Park during the CBC. In the Calf Pasture, a flock of American Robins continued to forage on Buckthorn berries. On December 20, the Brighton sewage lagoon produced both a Common Yellowthroat and an Eastern Meadowlark. American Tree Sparrows continue to be seen here and there in the Park. Six were at Owen Point on December 24. During the CBC, an unidentified small passerine flew into the teeth of strong west winds off Owen Point. When the bird flew or was blown back to land, it was identified as a Song Sparrow. The flock of Common Redpolls seen on Gull Island during the CBC had grown to over 30 birds by December 24. 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, strong currents and an unstable substrate are also often present. Merry Christmas and Good Birding to All! 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.
