Defying logical expectations in the summer's most punishing heat wave, a
few southbound migrants have appeared at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in
the past week, and more can be expected when the temperature and wind
finally turn around, especially thrushes and warblers.
A TRUMPETER SWAN was spotted among the MUTE SWANS in Popham Bay. WOOD
DUCKS are plentiful in the marsh these days, best seen from the road
opposite the campground office. A few GREATER SCAUP were in Popham Bay
on July 19. Single female HOODED and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS have also
been there. The latest WHITE PELICAN to appear at Presqu'ile was in the
last week of July a few years ago. The next one might appear among the
thousands of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS milling around the offshore
islands. Up to three young LEAST BITTERNS have been frequenting the
south end of the marsh boardwalk, most often seen in the early morning.
The most unusual sighting of the past week was an IBIS of the/ plegadis/
genus that flushed from a pond on the interior of Gull Island on July 15.
A TURKEY VULTURE was feeding on carrion washed up on the beach. OSPREYS
have been seen on more than one recent date. A slightly improved mix of
migrant shorebirds appeared on the beach in pools created by an
overnight storm: both GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, two SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPERS, five LEAST SANDPIPERS, one SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (missing a
leg). The most likely area to find BONAPARTE'S GULLS this week has been
around the lighthouse. An immature GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was on the
beach yesterday.
A second young RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER is now coming to feed at 83
Bayshore Road. Both ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS have been noted this
week. Swallows of several species have been roosting by the thousands
in the marsh. Among them were an estimated 25 CLIFF SWALLOWS. A
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, typically one of the first fall migrant warblers,
has been seen twice at 83 Bayshore Road, which is some distance from the
known breeding territory of the species in the Park. ORCHARD ORIOLES, a
PURPLE FINCH, and a surprising PINE SISKIN have also appeared at that
address in the past week, undoubtedly attracted by the plentiful food
and water provided by the occupant.
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/
