The major change in the bird life of Presqu'ile Provincial Park during
the past week has been in the composition of the waterfowl flocks.
The Mute Swan flock in Presqu'ile Bay now numbers close to 200. On two
days, a single Mallard was observed, the first in several weeks.
Beginning on January 30, when there were about 25, Redheads have been
increasing in number almost every day. Now there are about 100, along
with a similar number of Greater Scaup. A White-winged Scoter was also
in the bay on two days this week.
There were only two sightings of Bald Eagles in the Park since the last
report. There were two interesting owl reports from Presqu'ile this
week, both from individuals who might be classed as non-birders but
whose descriptions sound convincing. The first concerns a Great Gray
Owl seen at very close range just south of where the yellow ski trail
crosses Paxton Drive (south-west of the south-west corner of the calf
pasture). Although this is an area where Barred Owls are regularly
seen, the observers had no hesitation in describing the colour of the
eyes as yellow with dark pupils. On February 4, a snow white bird with
rounded wingtips and an unusual, bouncy flight flew past near the
lighthouse, headed towards the bay. The description strongly suggested
that it was a Snowy Owl, though none of that species has been seen at
Presqu'ile this winter. The observer is familiar with gulls and
immediately recognized this bird as different.
On February 4, a Northern Shrike pursued one of the two Song Sparrows
that have been wintering at 186 Bayshore Road. A Brown Creeper was also
at that address on two consecutive days, feeding on a greasy mixture
that had been placed in the bark of a tree. Two Golden-crowned Kinglets
accompanied the flock of Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted
Nuthatches in the spruces north of the group campground. There are
still several flocks of American Robins in the Park, one numbering about
40. A Cedar Waxwing was with one such flock along Paxton Drive on
February 4. Three days earlier, a group of perhaps 15 Bohemian Waxwings
was feeding on juniper berries south of the beach 1 access road. The
only icterid seen during the week was a Red-winged Blackbird on January
31 on Langdon Avenue. A small number of Common Redpolls visited the
feeder at 186 Bayshore Road on February 1 and 2.
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. Although the channel separating
Gull Island from Owen Point appears to be frozen over, the thickness of
the ice is probably unreliable because of the underlying currents.
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.
