As expected, this has not been a particularly exciting week for birding
in Presqu'ile Provincial Park, but a few unexpected birds have shown up
and the spring shorebird migration still has not let up.
In addition to the ducks that have been present all spring on the north
shore of Gull Island, there have been from one to six GREEN-WINGED TEAL
at Owen Point on four of the past six days. One of the scaup that have
been in that area since late May was identified as a GREATER SCAUP.
Three COMMON GOLDENEYES on June 13 and one female on June 17 were also
in that area. A pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS has been there since
June 7, but only the male could be found today. A tight group of four
COMMON LOONS was off the calf pasture on June 15. A family of young
PIED-BILLED GREBES has been easily visible in the woodpile marsh. The
latest sighting of the HORNED GREBE in Popham Bay was on June 11. The
regular heron-like birds at Presqu'ile these days are AMERICAN BITTERNS,
GREAT BLUE HERONS, GREAT EGRETS, and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS. LEAST
BITTERNS and GREEN HERONS are probably also present but have not been
seen recently.
An OSPREY on June 14 and an immature BALD EAGLE at the calf pasture on
the following day were the first of those species in the Park for some
time. A WILD TURKEY, probably the same bird that keeps re-appearing, was
in the day use area on June 14. Ten species of shorebirds, with numbers
in the low 40's, have made frequent trips to Owen Point worthwhile for
birders. Among others, there were two different BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS,
three SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, a late (or perhaps early fall) GREATER
YELLOWLEGS on June 17, two RUDDY TURNSTONES, a SANDERLING, about 30
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, three WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, and four
DUNLINS. Apologies to birders who were alerted to the presence of a
WESTERN SANDPIPER today, which turned out to be a mis-identification.
Half a dozen BONAPARTE'S GULLS in various plumages are frequenting the
area between Salt Point and the lighthouse. An immature GREAT
BLACK-BACKED GULL was at Owen Point on June 15. A BARRED OWL was
calling behind 83 Bayshore Road on June 15.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were found this week in two different areas,
neither of them near the nest in Jobes' Woods. COMMON RAVENS continue
to be seen regularly, sometimes two at a time. An EASTERN BLUEBIRD
sitting atop a bird feeder on June 16 was a surprise. On the previous
day a VEERY was spotted near the nature centre, where none has been
evident in recent weeks. One has to wonder why no one has found a
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in the Park this year, given that family groups
have been present in recent years. A second ORCHARD ORIOLE nest has
been located perhaps a mere 150 metres from the one that was discovered
earlier and which is still active. Occasional PURPLE FINCHES have
appeared in the past fortnight, including one young bird.
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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