In the almost total absence of migrating birds and with most birders
choosing not to go out in the oppressive heat of the past week, it is
not surprising that few noteworthy bird observations were made at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
Common Loons are present in small numbers, with a high count of four
birds feeding together on June 12. Since they are scarce in many other
parts of Ontario, the likelihood of finding Great Egrets on any given
summer day at Presqu'ile can make a visit to the Park worthwhile. Among
the usual ducks off Gull Island (Gadwalls, American Wigeons, Redheads,
etc.), there has been an American Black Duck, a male scaup, probably a
Greater Scaup, as recently as June 14, and a Common Merganser on June
10. Perhaps because of the paucity of birders and the cessation of the
daily shorebird surveys of the past month, there have been no recent
reports of the Piping Plover that was present from May 21 onward. The
only remnants of the spring shorebird migration recently were a Ruddy
Turnstone on June 13, 30 Semipalmated Sandpipers on June 10, and a
Dunlin on June 16. From henceforth, it will be difficult to
differentiate shorebird sightings between spring and fall migrants. A
Black Tern over Presqu'ile Bay on the morning of June 10 was the only
member of that species found at Presqu'ile this year.
A Red-bellied Woodpecker was detected in the east end of the Park on two
consecutive days, June 12 and 13. Clear evidence that this species is
breeding in the Park would be most welcome. The continued presence of
at least one Golden-crowned Kinglet near the Nature Centre suggests that
that species is breeding nearby. The same can be said of both Nashville
and Blackburnian Warblers, but the Blackpoll Warbler heard on June 12
was almost certainly a late migrant. Orchard Orioles are still
frequenting 85 Bayshore Road and may be nesting in the lilacs across the
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. 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]
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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.
