Although much reduced in volume, the spring bird migration is still
producing some interesting birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
From time to time, a Great Egret can be seen perched in the trees on
High Bluff Island. From the mainland, a scope is necessary. A Tundra
Swan was seen on Gull Island on the very late date of May 29. It is not
unlikely that this individual will remain in the area throughout the
summer. On most days, Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Redheads, and
Long-tailed Ducks can be spotted in Popham Bay, either in the vicinity
of Gull Island (in the case of the first three) or far out in the bay.
An Osprey flew over the marsh on June 2. The Merlins that are nesting
near the staff house (Stone Hedge) are generally easy to find.
The latest report of a Yellow Rail calling off the first platform on the
marsh boardwalk was on May 28. Sandhill Crane records from May 27 and
29 continue to fuel speculation that the species is breeding not far
from the Park.
Not unexpectedly, the spring shorebird migration is still in full
swing. There have been modest numbers of Black-bellied and Semipalmated
Plovers on the beach, and a Whimbrel remained on the gravel bar off Owen
Point on May 28 and 29. A lone Hudsonian Godwit put in a brief
appearance this evening (June 3) but then moved on out of sight. Ruddy
Turnstones, Sanderlings, and three species of "peeps" (Semipalmated,
Least, and White-rumped Sandpipers) have all been present on the beach
this week.
Three Forster's Terns were on beach 1 this evening (June 3).
Although a Red-bellied Woodpecker was still in the lighthouse area on
May 29, the bird has apparently gone quiet or moved on since then. The
likelihood is that it is still present. Throughout the past week,
whenever the songbird migration appears to have ended, another little
pocket of flycatchers or warblers is discovered or an Indigo Bunting or
Rose-breasted Grosbeak passes through the lighthouse area, as reminders
that even early June can produce late migrants. Blue Jays and Cedar
Waxwings, notoriously late migrants, can be observed in migratory flight
on many mornings. A Northern Mockingbird was reported from High Bluff
Campground on May 31, probably also a migrant. Although probably summer
residents rather than migrants, Orchard Orioles were still visiting the
feeders at 83 Bayshore Road last weekend.
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.
