Last weekend was an exceptionally good one for migrating birds at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Well over 100 species have been recorded in
the past week, with one group recording 78 species on Sunday. Since
then, there have also been a number of interesting sightings.
Several birders got a pleasant surprise yesterday when a flock of MUTE
SWANS in which a SNOW GOOSE was embedded flew past. A NORTHERN SHOVELER
was in the marsh on September 16. A RUDDY DUCK off Gull Island on
September 12 was unusual. The first two HORNED GREBES of the season
were in Popham Bay yesterday. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was heard in
the marsh. For the second week in a row, the raptors sighted included
BALD EAGLE (4 today), BROAD-WINGED HAWK (5 today), and PEREGRINE FALCON.
Shorebirds are again attracting birders from far and wide, not only
because they can easily be seen in fairly good numbers but also because
at least two rarities were/are among them. AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were
seen on three different days. Up to three WHIMBRELS have been on Gull
Island, accompanied on one morning by a HUDSONIAN GODWIT. That rare
species was discovered last Saturday on the beach before flying off.
Either that same bird or another was found on Gull Island two days later
and has been seen regularly by a number of birders at least up till
yesterday. Four RED KNOTS were at Owen Point last Friday and from one
to three have been seen on the beach since then. An elusive WESTERN
SANDPIPER has made at least four appearances at Owen Point, most
recently this morning. Since it generally travels in a flock of other
shorebirds, it can easily be overlooked unless seen exceptionally well,
as in the two photographs that both revealed the subtle points of
identification. One or two WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, a few BAIRD'S and
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and DUNLINS have also been seen on several days this
week. Although gull-watching will gradually become more interesting (as
well as frustrating for some of us) in coming weeks, it is not too early
to be on the lookout for LITTLE GULLS. The latest CASPIAN TERN of the
season was seen on September 14.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS are fast disappearing, but the RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS that have been around all summer are likely to stay
throughout the year. A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER on September 15 and a
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER seen yesterday were rather late. Two
PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were seen on Saturday and singles on several other
days. Both TREE and BARN SWALLOWS were seen on Sunday. A VEERY and a
SWAINSON'S THRUSH were the only migrant members of that family
reported. Over twenty warbler species were at Presqu'ile in the past
few days. A male GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER on September 17 was both rare
and late. CAPE MAY, YELLOW, and PINE WARBLERS were also good finds. An
early DARK-EYED JUNCO was found on Monday and a SCARLET TANAGER on two
different days. A PURPLE FINCH was seen on Tuesday.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water (not allowing
for waves) in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
slippery. 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] <mailto:[email protected]>.
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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