The many visitors who came to Presqu'ile Provincial Park for the first
of the two Waterfowl Viewing weekends were not disappointed. There are
thousands of ducks and other waterfowl scattered all over Presqu'ile Bay
and out in Lake Ontario.
A Trumpeter Swan bearing a numbered wing tag was near the calf pasture
on March 15 and may still be around. The first two American Wigeons of
the year were also in that area on the following day, and at least one
Gadwall was there today. Among the Canvasbacks, Redheads, and Greater
Scaup which make up the bulk of the duck population in the inner bay,
one can usually find a small number of Ring-necked Ducks with a bit of
careful searching. At Salt Point up to five White-winged Scoters can
usually be spotted. Up to four Hooded Mergansers have been counted on
one day, with at least one being found almost every day.
An Iceland Gull was off the calf pasture on March 13, and a Glaucous
Gull was there on the following day. For three successive days, a
Snowy Owl that was perched on the ice could also be seen there.
Although it has been some time since any Great Gray Owls have been seen
in the Park, the one that was earlier frequenting the area around the
Park gate was seen again just outside the gate on March 15.
Although the majority of the land birds at Presqu'ile this week
(including the long-staying Tufted Titmouse at 186 Bayshore Road) are
still those that have wintered here, their numbers have been augmented
by a few newly arrived American Robins, European Starlings, and a lone
Red-winged Blackbird that has taken a liking to the feeder at 85
Bayshore Road. An influx of other blackbirds and perhaps some sparrows
is expected to redress that imbalance within the next week or so.
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.
