Under normal circumstances, there would already be a few landbird
migrants at Presqu'ile Provincial Park by this date. Even an American
Woodcock had returned by late February a few years ago. However,
conditions have not been normal for the past week or two, in that there
has been no break in the sub-normal temperatures and northerly winds.
Consequently, only water birds have shown any sign of a spring
migration, and even that appears to have slowed down.
There are still thousands of ducks in Presqu'ile Bay, but the majority
of the Redheads and Canvasbacks that moved in a few weeks ago have moved
out again, leaving fewer than 100 of each visible from the government
dock on any given day. No doubt that will change by the time of the
Waterfowl Viewing Festival on March 12, 13, 19, and 20.
A Barred Owl and a Snowy Owl were the only two owls reported during the
past week, the latter eating something while resting on the ice of
Presqu'ile Bay.
On at least two occasions during the week, the Northern Flicker that had
not been reported since early January was observed again near 83
Bayshore Road, most recently on March 3. A Northern Shrike was on Gull
Island on February 27. (After March 9, there will be no access to Gull
Island until September 11.) The Tufted Titmouse has become a frequent
visitor to feeders on Bayshore Road, especially at house number 186,
where a Brown Creeper is an occasional visitor. Four Golden-crowned
Kinglets were seen and one photographed near the Park store. A single
American Robin was seen on February 26. There is at least one flock of
Cedar Waxwings in the Park, numbering by one count about 90 birds. It
now appears that there are three White-throated Sparrows at 83 Bayshore
Road. The only noteworthy finches seen recently were a dozen Common
Redpolls, also at 83 Bayshore Road.
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 may appear 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]
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 may appear 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.
