Some birders who are slaves to tradition claim that winter begins on
December 1, and regard any bird seen during the following three months
as valid entries on a winter bird list. Such individuals would do well
to visit Presqu'ile Provincial Park, where several bird species are
lingering later than they normally do and may be difficult to find when
winter really does begin.
Loons and grebes have been increasingly difficult to find for the past
week. The latest Red-throated Loon was in Popham Bay on November 25,
and no Common Loons were reported at all. A Pied-billed Grebe was in
the marsh on November 24, a Horned Grebe was in Popham Bay on November
30, and a Red-necked Grebe was at Owen Point on November 26. A
Double-crested Cormorant was perched on the artificial island off Salt
Point as recently as November 30, after an absence of five days.
Tundra Swans have been in good numbers in Presqu'ile Bay this week, as
well as a single bird in Popham Bay. American Black Ducks are now the
most numerous dabbling duck in the Park, especially at Chatterton
Point. At least one Redhead was in a large flock of Greater Scaup off
beach 3 on November 26. White-winged Scoters can usually be found off
the lighthouse. Hooded Mergansers have been present in the marsh in
single digits on most days, but the promised freeze-up will likely cause
them to move on.
A Northern Goshawk was observed flying from High Bluff Island to the
mainland on November 28. Shorebirds have dwindled to three species this
week, including a very late Spotted Sandpiper that has been remarkably
faithful for ten days to its feeding area opposite campsite 335 and was
still present on November 30. If it stays one more day, it will be the
first "winter" record for Presqu'ile. The injured White-rumped
Sandpiper reported last week was last seen on November 26, tying the
record late date for that species. Two Dunlins continue to forage
around Owen Point. Bonaparte's Gulls are feeding every day along the
beach, at Owen Point, and near the lighthouse. A Snowy Owl was on Gull
Peninsula on November 30, and a Barred Owl was in Newcastle Woods on
November 24.
The Northern Shrike at the calf pasture has not been reported since
November 24, but is likely still in the area. The only sparrow of
interest at this time of year was a Chipping Sparrow at a feeder not far
outside the Park on November 30. Red-winged Blackbirds and Common
Grackles have both been visiting feeders along Bayshore Road during the
past 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. It should be noted that, because
duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Saturdays, Owen Point, Gull Peninsula, High Bluff Island, and part of
the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days.
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.
