The birding scene at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has changed noticeably
in the past week, with fewer warblers and shorebirds but more ducks and
sparrows. A few rarities have added spice to the menu.
Most of the ducks are either in the marsh, where hunting is not allowed,
or far out in Popham Bay, out of the reach of gunshot. Most of the
dabbling ducks are MALLARDS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, but there were also
two NORTHERN SHOVELERS on September 28. Among the nine species of
diving ducks, the majority, several hundred, are SCAUP. In the marsh a
LESSER SCAUP was among the dabbling ducks. There have also been both
WHITE-WINGED and BLACK SCOTERS, LONG-TAILED DUCKS, COMMON GOLDENEYES,
and COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. For the second consecutive
week, a RUFFED GROUSE was found exhibiting odd behaviour, in this case a
fatal one, as it flew into the side of a house. Estimates of the HORNED
GREBE numbers in Popham Bay have varied widely, with 150 and 300 being
the high numbers. An adult BALD EAGLE was seen on September 30, and a
PEREGRINE FALCON on September 26.
A COMMON GALLINULE was seen on October 1. There were sightings of
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and GREATER YELLOWLEGS (including one in the
marsh). The WHIMBREL that had been on Gull Island for almost a
fortnight has not been reported since the opening of the duck hunting
season. However, the HUDSONIAN GODWIT with which it often associated
was still present on September 30 and may still be lingering. Anyone
looking for it on Gull Island on the next permitted day (Sunday) should
scan the vegetation in the dried up pond in the middle of the island,
where it has been feeding. BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS were still being seen as
recently as September 28. PECTORAL SANDPIPERS reached a high count of
22 birds on September 27. One of the highlights of the week was a
LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER first discovered on September 26 and still present
at least four days later. A WILSON'S SNIPE was seen on October 1. On
three of the past seven days COMMON TERNS were seen, most recently
yesterday.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO on September 28 was especially late for that
species. An owl was calling before dawn near the lighthouse that was
likely a GREAT HORNED OWL, based on the description/imitation given by
those who heard it. A BARRED OWL was seen in Newcastle woods being
harassed by BLUE JAYS. With NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS being banded north
of Presqu'ile yesterday, there are likely a few of them already
somewhere in the Park. An EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE was at the lighthouse on
September 29. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were found on two different days. On
this 6th anniversary of the only VARIED THRUSH sighting at Presqu'ile,
one is reminded that October can produce some rarities, not the least of
which was the PROTHONOTARY WARBLER that delighted several birders at
Owen Point on September 26, the first ever fall record for that species
at Presqu'ile. Among other warblers this week were several
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, a BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER today (within a few days
of being the latest date on record), and a WILSON'S WARBLER on September
26, also rather late. Sparrows of several species are ubiquitous in the
Park this week. Two PURPLE FINCHES were at a feeder on Monday.
Sporadic flocks of PINE SISKINS have been showing up in various places
for 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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through water that is knee-deep,
not taking into account any wave action,.in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
slippery. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given
priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Owen Point,
Gull Island,
High Bluff Island, and part of the calf pasture are not
available for bird-watching on those days after tomorrow. 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]>.
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Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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