At Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week, in anticipation of the
Waterfowl Viewing Festival on the next two weekends, all eyes have been
on the location of the ice margin in Presqu'ile Bay, which is where the
bulk of the waterfowl are concentrated. With southerly winds predicted
for Friday afternoon and evening, there may well be an influx of both
water birds and land birds this coming weekend.
The most recent sighting of a Trumpeter Swan, an adult, was on March 8
in Presqu'ile Bay with the ubiquitous Mute Swans. Several species of
dabbling ducks have arrived, including Wood Ducks (two on March 7 and
five on March 8), Gadwalls (first seen on March 7 and up to fifteen on
most subsequent days), American Wigeons (maximum of four), and Northern
Pintails (first seen on March 7 and 8 - five on each day). Ring-necked
Ducks and Hooded Mergansers are also being seen in small numbers almost
every day now. One or two White-winged Scoters have been spotted in
Presqu'ile Bay from time to time. Two sightings of a Horned Grebe
(March 7 and 12, at the government dock and at the calf pasture,
respectively) were both earlier than the previous earliest spring
arrival at Presqu'ile.
There were two sightings in the past week of the Cooper's Hawk that has
been patrolling Bayshore Road for some weeks. A single American Coot
was in Presqu'ile Bay on March 7 and 8 and may still be there but beyond
the range of spotting scopes. The first American Woodcock of the season
should be among the next new arrivals. A Glaucous Gull was on the ice
of Presqu'ile Bay on March 9. The Snowy Owl seen near Owen Point may be
a different bird from the one that has been seen repeatedly as recently
as March 10 on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay.
A Northern Shrike was seen on March 7. A Brown-headed Cowbird appeared
at 186 Bayshore Road on March 12. Hoary Redpolls in one's and two's
have been at that address every day this month. Their appearance is
sporadic, the redpoll flock is very flighty, and patience is required if
one expects to see one of them.
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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