The first of the two consecutive Waterfowl Festival weekends at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park provided many observers the opportunity to
see about twenty species of water birds under cool but otherwise
pleasant conditions. The cool weather has persisted since then, putting
a temporary halt to the spring migration, but the wind has shifted to
the south-west as this report is being written, offering the promise of
an influx of migrants overnight.
On March 15 and 16, there was a Pied-billed Grebe at the calf pasture,
and Horned Grebes can be expected next in that part of the Park. There
are increasing numbers of dabbling ducks appearing, as the ice melts
farther into the bay. Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Northern Pintails,
and a Green-winged Teal have all been seen at the calf pasture since
March 15. Among the diving ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, White-winged
Scoters (up to five, near the lighthouse), and all three species of
mergansers have been seen regularly. Hooded Mergansers, in particular,
are in good numbers at the calf pasture today (March 18). There are, of
course, thousands of other diving ducks in Presqu'ile Bay. Depending on
the wind direction, the majority may or may not be within easy viewing
distance of the viewing station at the calf pasture, but there are
always enough close in to satisfy anyone hoping to obtain good views.
An adult Bald Eagle was seen by a number of observers around Presqu'ile
Bay on March 16 and 17, renewing hopes that the species may be nesting
nearby.
American Coots have been seen on most days between Langdon Avenue and
the calf pasture.
Most of the land birds being seen at Presqu'ile during the past week are
the same ones that have been present through most of the winter,
including two Brown Creepers and two Song Sparrows at 186 Bayshore Road,
but the flock of Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles between
Langdon Avenue and Salt Point contains far more individuals than it did
a week ago. A Pine Siskin at 83 Bayshore Road on March 18 is apparently
a new arrival.
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. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of
year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there.
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.
