There was one day this week when another wave of newly arriving ducks
appeared at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Because of almost continuous
ice cover on much of Presqu'ile Bay, there is a delay in the return of
the masses. Other spring migrants are slow to appear, compared to some
years, when even AMERICAN WOODCOCKS have been back by this date.
On March 1, three TRUMPETER and two TUNDRA SWANS were in Presqu'ile Bay,
and the latter were still there today. Among the thousands of ducks
that arrived on the first two days of the month were three GADWALLS,
five RING-NECKED DUCKS, and two HOODED MERGANSERS. The BARROW'S
GOLDENEYE at the lighthouse remained out of sight on March 1 for the
first time since early February but was seen again yesterday and today.
The hybrid duck discovered there on January 25 was seen again on
February 26, for the first time since February 11.
A BALD EAGLE was sitting on High Bluff Island on March 1. The only
other raptor seen in the past week was a PEREGRINE FALCON, likely the
same bird that has been around through much of the winter, that was seen
again on two days this week. RING-BILLED GULLS by the tens of thousands
were all over Gull Island and the surrounding ice on March 1.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER is visiting a feeder at 40 Bayshore Road (not
visible from the road) on most days. A COMMON RAVEN heard on March 1
has led to speculation that the species might nest in the Park again
this year. The first HORNED LARK of the season flew from Owen Point to
Gull Island on March 1, accompanied by a small flock of SNOW BUNTINGS.
CAROLINA WREN sightings occur at the rate of at least one a day at 186
Bayshore Road. COMMON REDPOLL numbers appear to have peaked on the
weekend, during which a HOARY REDPOLL was seen at least twice.
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. The narrow channel between Owen
Point and Gull Island is now ice-covered most of the time, but the ice,
while appearing to be thick, might not support the weight of a human.
However, the water beneath the crust, if there is any, is only
ankle-deep. The surrounding shoreline can be very slippery. Access to
the offshore islands is restricted after March 9 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.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [email protected].
--
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 [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
