To no one's surprise, the spring-like weather of the past week has
brought an influx of migrant birds to Presqu'ile Provincial Park. In
fact, on February 27, even a somewhat lethargic woolly bear caterpillar
was seen crawling across Bayshore Road, surely a record early date, if
anyone keeps track of these things.
In the bird world, a Great Blue Heron was spotted from two different
locations on March 3 as it flew past over Presqu'ile Bay. Waterfowl
continue to be the focus of attention, with a few newly arrived species
being among the ever-increasing numbers (20,000?). After an absence of
over a week, American Wigeons have re-appeared and can be seen regularly
from the new, wheelchair-accessible viewing platform at the calf
pasture. Northern Pintails have also been seen from there this week.
Canvasbacks and Redheads are there in the hundreds, as well as a few
Ring-necked Ducks, especially between the government dock and the foot
of Langdon Avenue. Lesser Scaups and all three species of mergansers
have also been seen in that area this week, precursors of the 25 species
of waterfowl that the Park's publicity suggests may be found during the
two weekends of the Waterfowl Festival (March 13/14 and 20/21).
The latest sighting of a Bald Eagle in the Park, and the only one of the
past week, occurred on February 29.
The first American Coot of the season appeared at the end of Langdon
Avenue on the rather early date of March 3, and two birds were there on
the following day.
Glaucous Gulls continue to spend part of the day, at least as recently
as March 3, on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay. On March 4, conditions were
too hazy to allow satisfactory views of either the gulls on the ice or
the majority of the ducks.
This week, Red-winged Blackbirds have become commonplace sightings in
the Park, with the first arrivals, a flock of 42, appearing on March 2.
Common Grackles and Eastern Meadowlarks will certainly be arriving at
Presqu'ile soon, especially if the mild weather and southerly winds persist.
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. In
any case, after March 9, Gull Island will be off limits until September.
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.
