First of all, an apology/explanation for the lateness of this report,
the result of severe wind damage to the computer server through which
this is delivered. Easter weekend was pretty spectacular at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park, not only for variety of birds but also for some
stunning rarities that got even the most jaded birders excited and got
one convalescing birder walking further than was likely good for him in
order not to miss the spectacle. Since then, Tuesday and Wednesday saw
an influx of hordes of birds, as in other parts of southern Ontario.
Two NORTHERN SHOVELERS and seven NORTHERN PINTAILS seen in the past week
represent species that are normally gone by late April. Four SURF
SCOTERS were off Owen Point for a few days and two BLACK SCOTERS were
there on April 22, the second consecutive day on which all three scoter
species were present. A BLACK SCOTER was seen again on April 27. Three
HOODED MERGANSERS on April 24 were also late. An estimate of 20
RED-THROATED LOONS in Popham Bay on April 27 was the highest of this
spring. Overhead migrating COMMON LOONS have been scarce, a situation
that has led to speculation that recent botulism outbreaks on the Great
Lakes may be responsible. A few HORNED GREBES and one RED-NECKED GREBE
have been off the lighthouse. As many as 14 GREAT EGRETS and 18
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are visible on the offshore islands without
leaving the mainland. We are awaiting our first reports of LEAST
BITTERN and GREEN HERON. Within a four-day period singles of AMERICAN
KESTREL, MERLIN, and PEREGRINE FALCON were found at Presqu'ile. A SORA
was calling in the marsh.
The shorebird migration for which Presqu'ile is famous started off with
a bang. An unprecedented flock of AMERICAN AVOCETS, all in full
breeding plumage, spent the day on the beach on April 23, over a month
earlier than the previous record for the Park. There is only a handful
of previous records of this species at Presqu'ile and never more than
one bird at a time. On the following day, another rare shorebird, a
WILLET, spent several hours floating on a tiny bit of debris in Popham
Bay. Other migrant shorebirds seen in the past few days were GREATER
YELLOWLEGS, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, DUNLINS, and LEAST SANDPIPER. AMERICAN
WOODCOCKS can be heard in the evenings, but the one strutting across the
road in broad daylight was a treat. COMMON TERNS have been back for
several days.
Three different RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were present on April 27,
including one near last year's nest site in Jobes' woods. An EASTERN
WOOD-PEWEE, reported on April 26, would be a record early date if
corroborating details were submitted to the Park office. An early
WARBLING VIREO appeared on April 28. The swarm of swallows that
gathered at the lighthouse in the cold wind on April 28 contained a few
CLIFF SWALLOWS, among others. MARSH WRENS and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS
have been back for several days. An early GRAY CATBIRD was reported on
April 26. Among the nine species of warblers present on April 27 were
early BLUE-WINGED WARBLER and NORTHERN PARULA, neither of which was a
record early date. The former has been present near the lighthouse
every day since then. A record early date for CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
was set by a report of one on April 26. The Park would appreciate
details of that observation. The most recent FOX SPARROW sighting in
the Park was on April 23. An early ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK showed up on
April 24. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS have been present on at least four days in
the past week. At 83 Bayshore Road, an ORCHARD ORIOLE on April 27 was
remarkably early, and a COMMON REDPOLL on April 26 and 27 was remarkably
late.
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.
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/
