Hello Ontbirders: A first-rate flock of warblers jump-started a steadily-productive day at Presqu'ile.
A total of 75 bird species were encountered by a group of about 40 birders, with the biggest highlights coming via an early morning warbler flock in the lighthouse area. Favourite species therein included at least 2 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, NORTHERN PARULA, TENNESSEE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER and a lethargic GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER showing unobstructed. The most common species were YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER and AMERICAN REDSTART. Unseasonably high water at Owen Point and a substantial raptor movement were key factors that led to a record low (for this trip) 5 shorebird species. Fortunately--as is typical at Presqu'ile--all shorebirds were seen at extremely close range and in good light. The latter was particularly helpful to the various photographers getting their first cracks at fresh juvenal BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. A walk from Owen Point to Beach 3 produced distant looks at 2 HORNED GREBES and one RED-NECKED GREBE in Popham Bay. Of the 8 raptor species seen, the best were a BROAD-WINGED HAWK and a second year BALD EAGLE high above the Gilmour family cottage which was, once again, generously made available to this large group. Also enjoyed at the cottage were several RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS at close range, a brilliant adult male BALTIMORE ORIOLE and various butterfly species. An afternoon loop around the Marsh Boardwalk included a MERLIN and AMERICAN KESTREL loosely sparring, numerous WOOD DUCKS and a MARSH WREN giving a whisper song and characteristically fleeting looks. Two odd hybrid geese (both of which seem to have CANADA GOOSE DNA) were seen at close range at Beach 2 before the day finished with a quick stop at the Brighton Constructed Wetland where a COMMON GALLINULE posed nicely for everyone. Outside of birds, the beautiful sunny weather was ideal for butterflies and played a major role in an above-average species count of 15. Migratory dragonflies such as COMMON GREEN DARNER and BLACK SADDLEBAGS were abundant and undoubtedly on the move (with small falcons in pursuit at various times). A special thanks goes out to Bill Gilmour and Maureen Riggs for once again acting as unofficial co-leaders. Thanks to all who attended; I hope to see you again in 2014! Good birding, Ian Shanahan Toronto _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
