May birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park is almost always rewarding, but some
days are exceptionally good. Last Monday (May 10) was one such day. Since
then, with a steady high pressure system slowing migration, things have
returned to normal, pending the arrival of the next low. Birder activity has
also been less prominent during the current heat wave.
Red-throated Loons were seen in Popham Bay on May 8 and 9, with seven birds on
the latter date and three Horned Grebes on the former date. A Green Heron flew
over the lighthouse on May 13.
The first of the Brants that move through Presqu'ile in large numbers in late
May each year came a few days early, on May 10, when about 250 flew past the
lighthouse and about 40 were later seen on the gravel bar off Owen Point,
perhaps part of the same flock. Ducks have generally thinned out in Presqu'ile
Bay, but a few Gadwalls and Redheads were still off Owen Point on May 13.
An immature Bald Eagle flew over the eastern part of the peninsula on May 9. A
Cooper's Hawk on May 7 and a Peregrine Falcon on May 9 were also of interest.
On May 7 at dusk, there were not one but two Yellow Rails calling at the marsh
boardwalk. As recently as May 10, there was still one calling, but there has
been no report of anyone attempting to hear the bird(s) since then. Shorebirds
have been slow to arrive in numbers this year. Three Semipalmated Plovers and
three Least Sandpipers on May 9 and a Dunlin on May 10 were all on the beach.
A male Wilson's Phalarope was found on May 13 just east of Owen Point. By this
time next week, the first of the Whimbrels for which Presqu'ile is noted may
have arrived, though they normally come a day or two after that. This being
leap year, they, like many other birds, may arrive one day earlier than normal.
(It would be interesting for someone to analyze whether more early spring
arrival records are set in leap years than in other years.)
At least two Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been frequenting the eastern part of the
peninsula as far as the lighthouse. One Philadelphia Vireo was found on May 7, and three
different birds were seen on May 10. The main influx of thrushes has yet to arrive, but
"mimid thrushes", especially Gray Catbirds, were present in good numbers during
the past week. A Northern Mockingbird put in a brief appearance in the day use area of
the Park on May 8. An American Pipit was at Owen Point on May 10.
An Orange-crowned Warbler was at the lighthouse on May 9. Warblers were especially
plentiful and varied on May 10, including a "Brewster's Warbler" and at least
three each of Cape May and Bay-breasted Warblers. Also present in higher than normal
numbers on that day were Scarlet Tanagers, Lincoln's, White-throated, and White-crowned
Sparrows, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Bobolinks, and Purple Finches. The latest Dark-eyed
Junco was seen on May 7. Large numbers of Baltimore Orioles, accompanied by one or two
Orchard Orioles, have been passing through the Park on May 12 and 13, and Indigo Buntings
on May 13. A Pine Siskin fed briefly at a feeder on Bayshore Road as recently as May 13.
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.
