In anticipation of the Waterfowl Festival taking place at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park this weekend, an interesting variety, if not huge
numbers, of ducks, geese, and swans entertained birders in the past few
days. As well, a good many other new arrivals have made for interesting
birding.
Among the thousands of CANADA GEESE that passed overhead on Monday and
Tuesday were SNOW GEESE (one on Monday and 40 on Tuesday) and one
CACKLING GOOSE (on Monday, probably the earliest date for Presqu'ile).
Seven TUNDRA SWANS were in Presqu'ile Bay on Tuesday. The highlight of
the week was a EURASIAN WIGEON in Presqu'ile Bay on March 17. Many of
the ducks had thinned out by the next day, however, and that bird could
not be re-located. Perhaps it will show up for the expected crowds of
visitors on the weekend. A flock of 25 NORTHERN PINTAILS on March 14 was
exceptionally large. GREEN-WINGED TEALS made their first appearance
yesterday, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS may be next among the waterfowl.
A COOPER'S HAWK flew over on March 16. The long-staying WILD TURKEY was
seen at least three times in the past week. There were three sightings
of AMERICAN WOODCOCK in the Park in the past week. A SNOWY OWL was at
Owen Point on March 16. BARRED OWLS are being seen much less frequently
than earlier in the year. A BELTED KINGFISHER was at the causeway
leading into the Park on March 17. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was still present
on March 16 and 17. A COMMON RAVEN was in the Park on March 16.
Several BROWN CREEPERS and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were in Jobes' woods
yesterday. Many AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, SONG SPARROWS, and at least one
DARK-EYED JUNCO arrived this morning.
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. Birders are encouraged to record their
observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground
office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird
report for species not listed there.
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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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