Birders contemplating a trip to Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the near
future should be aware that, while migration is past its peak except for
shorebirds and a few late migrating song birds, the month of June has in
the past yielded some significant rarities (American Avocet, Franklin's
Gull, Sandwich Tern, Chuck-will's-widow).
A lone Brant was present on May 25 and 26. A female Canvasback was in
Popham Bay on May 26 and four Lesser Scaup were there on May 25. Five
Red-throated Loons were there on May 23 and one on May 26. One observer
saw five Great Egrets in one day, and Black-crowned Night-Herons have
been seen on each of the past four days. A Merlin on May 26 was the
only raptor of note.
Shorebirds have responded magnificently to the Park's apparent decision
to leave the beaches unmanaged for the first time in several years, at
least until the migration ends. Some have commented that this year's
display has been the best in a long time. The birds have been erratic,
appearing in huge numbers for a few hours and then moving on just as
quickly. Some of the more remarkable numbers of the past week were
about 25 Black-bellied Plovers on May 28, 15 Whimbrel on May 26, perhaps
a hundred or more Ruddy Turnstones and at least twice as many Red Knots
on May 29, hundreds of Dunlins on May 26, 27, and 29, and 36
Short-billed Dowitchers on May 24. As well, there have been smaller
numbers of Semipalmated Plovers, Sanderlings, White-rumped Sandpipers,
and other common species. A female Wilson's Phalarope that stayed on
the beach for a short while on May 25 was the first of that species at
Presqu'ile in a couple of years. An American Woodcock continues to
offer views at almost arm's length at the lighthouse.
Common Nighthawks have not yet appeared, but a Chimney Swift flew over
the lighthouse on May 24. One cannot differentiate with certainty
between migrant and resident birds, but it is safe to say that birds
seen at the lighthouse or Owen Point (with a few notable exceptions that
are known to breed there) are in the former category, even if they are
known to breed elsewhere in the Park. Thus, the Eastern Kingbirds, Blue
Jays, and Cedar Waxwings that have been moving past the lighthouse in
numbers this week are still in migration, as are Ruby-crowned Kinglets
seen in ones and twos up until May 26. The status of the male Eastern
Bluebird in the day use area on May 28 is less certain. Another of that
species was seen on May 23, but the location was not specified in the
report. An American Pipit was on the beach on May 24 and 25. Warblers
are still moving through, albeit in fewer numbers and smaller variety,
among others: Orange-crowned Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Palm
Warbler each as late as May 24; Louisiana Waterthrush at the lighthouse
on May 24; Mourning Warblers here and there. A late Lincoln's Sparrow
on May 26, a White-throated Sparrow on May 29, and a record late
Dark-eyed Junco on May 28, all at the lighthouse, are considered to be
migrants. Orchard Orioles are regular visitors to the feeders at 83
Bayshore Road. Two Pine Siskins showed up at the feeders at 186
Bayshore Road on May 25.
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,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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