Birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has certainly slowed down from
what it has been in recent weeks, but the lure of possible rarities, of
which one was found this week, keeps birders actively in the field.
For the second consecutive week, a Snow Goose was found in the Park.
One observer saw it on November 8 and it was discovered again in a flock
of Canada Geese on November 12, this time along the beach and out in
Popham Bay. Fairly reliable dabbling ducks in the marsh are Gadwall,
American Wigeon, and Northern Pintail. The numbers of Green-winged Teal
there have diminished considerably. When that area freezes over, the
remaining few will likely gather on the beach. Long-tailed Ducks have
returned in large numbers and are now probably the most common duck at
Presqu'ile. In the late twentieth century, King Eiders were frequently
seen at Presqu'ile at this time of year, and the possibility exists that
another will show up soon. There are still many Common Loons and a few
Horned Grebes in the offshore waters.
Rough-legged Hawks were seen on November 9 over High Bluff Island and
November 13 (two at Gull Island). On November 12, six lucky birders
were able to watch a rare visitor from the north, a Gyrfalcon, as it
moved to and fro between Owen Point and High Bluff Island, occasionally
landing on the beach and in a tree. In addition to a possible sighting
of this species in March of this year, there have been two other records
in the past six years, both in late October and early November. A
Ruffed Grouse was flushed twice at the lighthouse. Large numbers of
Dunlins have dominated the shorebird flocks this week, but there have
also been a few Black-bellied Plovers and Sanderlings, a surprisingly
late Least Sandpiper on November 9, a single White-rumped Sandpiper, and
single Purple Sandpipers on Gull Island and on the beach, the latter on
November 13. A post-script to last week's report of a Black-legged
Kittiwake is an indication from three photographs taken at different
times that three different individual birds were present. On most days,
birders have been able to find two Snowy Owls, including, on one
occasion, two birds at one time in the field of a spotting scope.
Two Northern Shrikes were seen on November 7, and two Eastern Bluebirds
on November 10. There were still a dozen American Pipits on Gull Island
today. A very late Yellow-rumped Warbler was at the lighthouse on
November 11. A late Fox Sparrow that has been lingering at 83 and 85
Bayshore Road may be tempted to stay for the winter. It was seen as
recently as November 12. The only later record from Presqu'ile was one
in mid-winter some years ago. There are numerous finches to be found,
mostly Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches, but there were two flocks
of White-winged Crossbills on November 7, a few Purple Finches are also
around, and a single Common Redpoll was at 186 Bayshore Road on November 10.
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. Visitors to Gull Island should be
prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there is often a swift
current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. It should also be noted
that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays,
Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, 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,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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