I spent some time today birding the southern part of Prince Edward County.
Despite the somewhat sketchy weather, some interesting birds were seen.
At Sandbanks Provincial Park, there were six species of larids loafing on
the beach at the mouth of the Outlet River including: 1 adult LITTLE GULL
(in breeding plumage), 20 adult BONEPARTE'S GULLS (in breeding plumage) and
3 CASPIAN TERNS.
Along Chartwell Point Road there were BROWN THRASHER, FIELD SPARROW and
VESPER SPARROW all sining on territory. In the shoreline marsh at the end
of Chartwell Point Rd. there were 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and in a large mixed
flock of swallows 4 PURPLE MARTINS, 3 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS and 1
CLIFF SWALLOW.
DIRECTIONS: Prince Edward County is located on Lake Ontario between Amherst
Island and Presque'ile PP. To get to Sandbanks Provincial Park, exit
Highway 401 at exit 566 and travel south on County Road 49 to the town of
Picton. From the main street of Picton, turn left (south) onto County Road
10 and then right (east) onto County Road 11. The park is well signed.
Chartwell Point Road accesses the southern shoreline of Prince Edward County
about halfway between Prince Edward (Long) Point and Point Petrie. It is
narrow and partially covered by large puddles, although my Subaru Outback
managed to navigate it succesfully. For more detailed directions contact me
privately.
David Britton
Ottawa
