It remains to be seen whether this winter's birding at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park has reached or even passed its nadir, but if so, things
can only improve, and there are a few - alas, very few - signs that
inspire hope. (English language purists will appreciate that, after
consulting Fowler, I resisted using the phrase "hopeful signs".) The
most promising sign is the forecast of mild weather for the coming weekend.
One or two Canvasbacks and up to 30 Redheads were in Presqu'ile Bay on
three different days in the past week. Three White-winged Scoters were
at Salt Point on January 30. A big influx of waterfowl is anticipated
for this weekend. About 30 Ring-billed Gulls were on the ice of
Presqu'ile Bay on February 2, each casting its own shadow. Is that a
"hopeful sign" or not? An Iceland Gull flew past the lighthouse on the
following day. The Snowy Owl, also on the ice on February 2, was too
far away to allow one to see whether it was casting a shadow.
Also on February 2, not far outside the Park, four Eastern Bluebirds
were sitting on a rooftop, and about 75 American Robins were able to
find patches of bare ground in the day use area of the Park and one more
was at a heated bird bath. Horned Larks are appearing outside the Park
and should be watched for along the shoreline wherever the ice has not
built up. In general, passerine birds have been scarce. Perhaps
because we laid in an extra supply of nyjer seed on Tuesday, even the
dozens of Pine Siskins that were still present earlier this week have
totally and quite suddenly disappeared, along with most of their
accompanying American Goldfinches, leaving behind only half a dozen or
so Common Redpolls that will have to consume much more than their normal
volume of seed.
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. The ice between Owen Point and Gull
Island may be unsafe depending on recent wind and temperature
conditions. Beware of hidden ice patches.
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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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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