Although temperatures in early July at Presqu'ile Provincial Park are
typically five or more Celsius degrees cooler than in nearby Brighton,
only the most dedicated birders would venture out during the current
heat wave, especially since this is normally a very quiet time of year
for finding unusual birds, notwithstanding the recent astounding report
of an albatross not far away. It doesn't pay to stay home when such
surprises lurk.
The past few weeks have seen a remarkable number and variety of ducks
along the north shore of Gull Island and nearby. Most recently, a
NORTHERN PINTAIL, two GREEN-WINGED TEAL, eight REDHEADS, a scaup, a
COMMON GOLDENEYE, and two RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have been there. One
of the benefits of seeking out those ducks is the likelihood of also
seeing GREAT EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, both of which are
normally visible on High Bluff and Sebastopol Islands, respectively.
The best viewing point at present, lookout #3 on the Owen Point trail,
is also the best vantage point for finding the returning shorebirds, of
which four LEAST SANDPIPERS on July 4 were an example. The most recent
BONAPARTE'S GULL sighting was near the lighthouse on July 2.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was near the lighthouse on July 2. Two COMMON
RAVENS were near Owen Point on July 4. A CAROLINA WREN continues to
appear sporadically at 83 Bayshore Road, eschewing the food provided at
the feeders there. A warbler seen at that address raised suspicions
that it might have been a juvenile HOODED WARBLER, a species that has
long been a likely candidate for breeding at Presqu'ile. ORCHARD
ORIOLES continue to be seen regularly, though not as vocal as before.
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.
--
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
