Presqu'ile Provincial Park was spared the snow that blanketed nearby
areas this week, but otherwise had consistently below normal
temperatures, wet weather, and northerly winds. The cold, wet weather
kept birding activity to a minimum, but a few new migrants did trickle in.
The only significant movement of Canada Geese took place on the morning
of April 19. Most of the ducks have moved on, but the Surf Scoter and
the Ruddy Ducks can still be found every day between the government dock
and Langdon Avenue. Both Red-throated Loons and Common Loons can be
spotted in Popham Bay, and the latter on all sides of the peninsula and
overhead in the early morning. An American Bittern was in the marsh on
April 14, and a Great Egret on April 19. More Bonaparte's Gulls seem to
have moved in during the day today.
Yet another sighting of the Northern Shrike at the calf pasture occurred
on April 13, surely the last of the season. Tree Swallow numbers have
been gradually building up, but other swallows have yet to appear. The
first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the season was discovered on April 17
near High Bluff campground. Other species to be looked for in coming
days are Pine Warblers and Palm Warblers. Both Chipping Sparrows and
Field Sparrows were seen in various places, and on April 19 a Vesper
Sparrow and a Fox Sparrow were seen.
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]
--
--
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.
