The chief attraction for birders visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park at
this time of year, apart from its wealth and variety of breeding birds,
is the possibility of finding returning shorebirds, of which the
vanguard has already arrived.
There is still a good variety of ducks around Gull Island, including,
this week, GADWALLS, AMERICAN WIGEONS, a NORTHERN PINTAIL, GREEN-WINGED
TEALS, REDHEADS, a scaup (probably GREATER SCAUP), COMMON GOLDENEYE,
and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Two COMMON LOONS flew over Popham Bay on
July 13. A LEAST BITTERN was at the marsh boardwalk this morning.
GREAT EGRETS and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are easy to find on the
offshore islands with a scope. Single OSPREYS were over Presqu'ile Bay
on three consecutive days. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER was on the beach on
July 13. The highlight of the week was a WILLET that sat at Owen Point
on July 12 before flying off. A SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER flew past Owen
Point with three LESSER YELLOWLEGS on July 13. Both LEAST and
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS were present today. Since STILT SANDPIPERS are
rare in spring at Presqu'ile, birders seeking their first of the year
are anticipating the arrival of that species soon.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was near the group campground parking lot on July
12. A COMMON RAVEN was calling near Owen Point today. A CAROLINA WREN
continues to make sporadic appearances at 83 Bayshore Road. A BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHER was at 186 Bayshore Road today. Both PINE and BLACKBURNIAN
WARBLERS were found on July 12, as well as an EASTERN TOWHEE and a
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. ORCHARD ORIOLES are present and singing on most
days at 186 Bayshore Road.
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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