Spring-like temperatures at Presqu'ile Provincial Park earlier this week
created birding that was also reminiscent of early spring, with
waterfowl arriving in Presqu'ile Bay even before the end of the past
year. Since then, the bay has largely frozen over, and birders will
have to await the next thaw before those ducks return from wherever it
is that they go during cold snaps. Meanwhile they can amuse themselves
tracking down land birds.
The most interesting sightings this week have been the returning
waterfowl. On December 30, for example, there was an adult Trumpeter
Swan with three young ones. Among the hundreds of ducks in Presqu'ile
Bay on that date (mostly Redheads and Greater Scaup) there were a pair
of Northern Pintails, a male Ring-necked Duck, and at least one Lesser
Scaup, all of which were the first of the spring migration. After the
initial appearance of the first Canvasback a week ago, there were four
on December 28, about 30 on December 29, and about 40 on December 30.
Only two remained there on January 1, in one of the few patches of open
water off the government dock. White-winged Scoters and Red-breasted
Mergansers can usually be found in the outer parts of the bay.
An immature Bald Eagle flew over the lighthouse on January 1, apparently
the same individual that has been around for over three weeks. An adult
was observed for over an hour on December 26, during which time it
patiently but eventually successfully predated a Common Merganser. Two
Iceland Gulls were seen on December 29. A Snowy Owl has become a
regular feature on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay.
Single Northern Shrikes were seen on at least three of the past few
days. At least one Golden-crowned Kinglet was detected on January 1.
American Robins have become one of the most easily located passerine
species in the Park this week, with flocks appearing in three different
areas and numbering as many as 70 or more individuals in a single
flock. A flock of Cedar Waxwings was also noted, as was a single
individual, both on January 1. Also on January 1, a White-throated
Sparrow accompanied the Black-capped Chickadees that look for handouts
along the Pioneer trail where it meets Paxton Drive north of the group
campground. Three Common Grackles visit feeders regularly between 81
and 116 Bayshore Road. Within the past few days, there has been a
noticeable increase in the number of finches at Presqu'ile. A small
flock of White-winged Crossbills was near the bird sightings board, and
two somewhat larger flocks along Bayshore Road, all on January 1. Common
Redpolls have been at several locations along Bayshore Road, and
numerous Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches have been frequenting the
east end of the peninsula.
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 knee-deep water in which there is often a swift
current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. Hip waders are
essential, even when the water is calm, and are inadequate when the
water is rough. Recently, the channel was ice-covered, but the ice,
while appearing to be thick, does not support the weight of a human.
The surrounding shoreline can be very slippery.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [email protected]. q
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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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