The continuing heat wave has discouraged most birders from spending time
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, but those who have spent time here this
week have not been disappointed. Not only is it relatively cooler near
Lake Ontario but also a few fall migrant shorebirds are trickling in.
The lone Red-necked Grebe in Popham Bay can almost always be found not
very far offshore between Owen Point and the beach to the north. Four
members of the heron family have been seen in the Park this week: Great
Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, and Black-crowned Night-Heron. In
addition to the usual ducks off Gull Island, four Hooded Mergansers were
found just north of Owen Point on July 14.
Two species of raptors were seen recently near the lighthouse: Northern
Harrier and Merlin. Juveniles of both Sora and Virginia Rails have been
very cooperative in the marsh behind Owen Point. A Common Moorhen was
also present in the main marsh.
The best place for finding shorebirds at present is the algae beds along
the shore between Owen Point and High Bluff campground. Least
Sandpipers are there every day, and five Lesser Yellowlegs were there on
July 14. A Baird's Sandpiper was there on July 9. The next cool front
should bring in many more.
Apart from a singing Winter Wren near the Nature Centre and Orchard
Orioles visiting the feeders at 83 Bayshore Road, there are no
noteworthy songbirds to report.
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.
