Finding birds in the open areas around the shores of Presqu'ile
Provincial Park is easier these days than searching through the leafy
forests for migrating landbirds. For this reason, most of the birders
visiting the Park this week have been concentrating on finding
shorebirds (in surroundings that are more natural and aesthetic than the
sewage lagoons that these birds frequent elsewhere in southern
Ontario). At least temporarily, access to the two locations favoured by
shorebirds is problematic. Last night's storm created waves that have
flooded the Owen Point trail, and it might take a day or two for the
trail to dry up. Meanwhile, rubber boots are recommended. On most
days, there are more shorebirds on Gull Island than on the mainland,
most of which are beyond the range of even a good scope. Unfortunately,
access is not permitted to Gull Island until September 10, ostensibly to
protect the breeding colonial birds from disturbance, even though their
breeding has already ended. An earlier lifting of that restriction, say
after Labour Day, would be welcomed by most birders at a time when
shorebird migration is at its peak.
There are still plenty of WOOD DUCKS in the marsh, 17 in today's count.
There were three AMERICAN WIGEONS, the first in a few weeks, at Owen
Point today. Both BLUE-WINGED and GREEN-WINGED TEALS have been in the
Owen Point/Gull Island area, and today a COMMON MERGANSER was swimming
between those two locations. GREAT EGRETS are almost gone from High
Bluff Island, where they nested, and are showing up elsewhere around the
Park.
A TURKEY VULTURE was seen on August 22. Two or three OSPREYS are being
seen almost every day now, and immature BALD EAGLES, usually only one
but two at the calf pasture on August 21, are also being seen fairly
regularly. Two RUFFED GROUSE emerged from the woods to feed in a garden
behind 83 Bayshore Road. The first AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER of the year
was at Owen Point on August 24. A few SANDERLINGS, a WHITE-RUMPED
SANDPIPER, several BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, and a PECTORAL SANDPIPER have
been among the large flocks of LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. A
DOWITCHER, presumably SHORT-BILLED but too far away to be certain of its
specific identity, was seen on Gull Island today. The next shorebirds
to show up might be BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS and/or RED-NECKED
PHALAROPES, both of which are rare but regular at Presqu'ile at the end
of August. BONAPARTE'S and GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS have both been
present at Owen Point. The first COMMON TERN in over a week was near
the lighthouse on August 23.
A flock of 25 ROCK PIGEONS flew over Owen Point. Two BARRED OWLS were
heard behind 83 Bayshore Road. A CHIMNEY SWIFT flew over on August 23.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS continue to visit the feeders at 83 Bayshore
Road. A CAROLINA WREN was at the lighthouse on August 21 and 22, and
might still be lurking in the thick undergrowth there. BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS have been present in small numbers. The best warbler find
of the week was a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER on August 23, which overshadowed a
number of others such as TENNESSEE, NORTHERN PARULA, CAPE MAY,
BAY-BREASTED, WILSON'S, and CANADA. A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, a few
BOBOLINKS, and a PURPLE FINCH round out the sightings of the past week.
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].
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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/
