Almost every day now, one or more species of birds that have been off in
points north since the spring has been returning to Presqu'ile
Provincial Park. Although there has not yet been a significant wave of
fall migrants, that can be expected soon.
Common Loons flying over Popham Bay were probably somewhere nearby all
summer. An average of one Great Egret per day has been seen during the
past week, and Black-crowned Night-Herons, both adult and juvenile, are
still frequenting Sebastopol Island. The marsh has a concentration of
60 or more Mute Swans. Wood Ducks can sometimes be seen in the woodpile
marsh. A Northern Shoveler and a Northern Pintail have both been seen
off Gull Island. Along with a handful of Redheads, a pair of scaup was
off Sebastopol Island on August 10.
The first Black-bellied Plover of the season appeared on August 10 near
Owen Point, where Semipalmated Plovers are the most numerous plovers.
Semipalmated Sandpipers are present in increasing numbers, along with at
least one Baird's Sandpiper. Bonaparte's Gulls have been seen almost
every day in small numbers, both at the lighthouse and at Owen Point.
Black-billed Cuckoos were heard in two different parts of the Park in
the past week. Among the trickle of migrating warblers, a Blackpoll
Warbler at the calf pasture on August 8 was the biggest surprise, being
the earliest fall record for Presqu'ile. A Mourning Warbler at the
lighthouse on August 5 was the second sighting of that species there in
less than a week. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have appeared at two of the
"migrant traps", Owen Point and the lighthouse.
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.
