It would be stretching a point to claim that fall bird migration is in
full swing at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, but there is increasing
evidence that it is definitely under way.
Through most of the summer, observers seldom were lucky enough to find
more than one Great Egret in a day, but on July 30 there were two in the
marsh and another (or perhaps one of those two) flying near High Bluff
Island. Three Wood Ducks were in the woodpile marsh on July 29. The
flock of dabbling ducks that has been frequenting the north shore of
Gull Island all summer now numbers several dozen, including American
Wigeon, Northern Pintail, and Green-winged Teal. A Red-breasted
Merganser was still near Owen Point on July 30.
The first Merlin since early June was spotted at the calf pasture on
August 3, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk was not far away. Each day brings a
few more shorebirds to Gull Island and the "natural beach" between Beach
3 and Owen Point. On August 3, there were four Semipalmated Plovers and
four Lesser Yellowlegs. An Upland Sandpiper, uncommon at Presqu'ile,
was on the beach on July 30. Sanderlings, Least Sandpipers, and Baird's
Sandpipers have also been present. A new, higher viewing mound near the
start of the Owen Point trail should make it easier to spot shorebirds
at the water's edge. About 120 Caspian Terns have been creating a
raucous din off Owen Point.
A Rock Pigeon at the calf pasture was unusual. For at least the second
time this summer, a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker provided further
indication that the species may be nesting in the Park. Pileated
Woodpeckers, sometimes two at a time, were seen on four different days
of the past seven. Apart from Eastern Kingbirds, flycatchers have been
difficult to find lately, but that should change in the near future as
migrants drift in. August is the prime time for finding Olive-sided
Flycatchers. Purple Martins continue to be the most obvious birds at
the east end of the peninsula. Not far outside the Park, a Carolina
Wren was detected along Ontario Street. Six species of warblers have
been seen around the lighthouse in the past week, including Nashville
Warbler, Northern Parula, and Mourning Warbler. Look for others to join
them soon. An Eastern Towhee and a White-throated Sparrow were both
singing near 38 Bayshore Road on July 30. A female Rose-breasted
Grosbeak and a female Orchard Oriole have both been seen more than once
in the lighthouse area this week.
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.
