This week's birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park features evidence of a
number of breeding birds and a smattering of fall migrant shorebirds.
About 180 MUTE SWANS have been present all week in Popham Bay. A WOOD
DUCK was escorting two small ducklings this morning. More than one each
of GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, and GREEN-WINGED TEAL
have been seen this week. The most recent BUFFLEHEAD sighting was on
July 8. Three RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS were on Gull Island yesterday. A
number of sightings of single and multiple LEAST BITTERNS at the south
end of the marsh boardwalk culminated on July 11, when an apparent
family group of four or five was there. GREAT EGRETS are no longer
regarded as noteworthy at Presqu'ile, but a GREEN HERON was seen on
July 9. OSPREY, BALD EAGLE, and COOPER'S HAWK were the only raptors
seen this week. Both VIRGINIA RAIL and SORA have been noted along the
marsh boardwalk, the former as it ran across in front of the observers.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS and LEAST SANDPIPERS have been on the beach, but the
most intriguing shorebird was tentatively identified as a BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPER before it flew off and out of sight before a definitive
identification could be made. Other shorebirds of several species can
be expected to join those that are already here. An AMERICAN WOODCOCK
was flushed twice from the Owen Point trail. BONAPARTE'S GULLS have
been flying around the lighthouse for the past three days. Research on
COMMON TERNS has been carried out on Gull Island for the past four
summers. One of the researchers will be describing that project for the
public at the Park Amphitheatre on July 19 at 8 p.m.
Among land birds, sightings of ROCK PIGEONS are always exceptional at
Presqu'ile, and there were two this week. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was
calling opposite 34 Bayshore Road. For several days a juvenile
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER has been visiting feeders at 83 Bayshore Road
along with an adult female. What appeared to be a family group of
COMMON RAVENS was near Owen Point on July 10, raising the question of
whether the species nested for a second consecutive year in the Park.
An EASTERN TOWHEE was at the calf pasture on July 9. ROSE-BREASTED
GROSBEAKS were observed feeding young on July 8. ORCHARD ORIOLES and
PURPLE FINCHES are being seen on most days.
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.
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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/
