February is typically a slow month for birding at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park, but a few interesting birds have been seen in the past week, most
of which have been there all winter. In short, conditions have been
static and seem unlikely to change for at least the next week.
Two REDHEADS and a male RING-NECKED DUCK were among the flock of GREATER
SCAUP in Presqu'ile Bay today, a flock which has been growing slowly all
week. BALD EAGLES are being seen on most days around Presqu'ile Bay,
usually one or two adults and an immature. On Sunday two adults were
sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a tree overlooking the bay, perhaps
following up from a nearby mid-air display of apparent courtship a week
earlier. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was seen on January 30. For GREAT HORNED
OWLS, February is not too early for courtship and even nesting. The
species is regular in "the fingers" and may already be heard calling
there after dusk. A SNOWY OWL along Bayshore Road on Tuesday was the
only one in the past week. BARRED OWLS have been seen this week near
Jobes' woods, along the Newcastle trail (twice), and near the Nature
Centre (perhaps the same bird).
A PILEATED WOODPECKER was seen on January 31 and February 1. There were
two COMMON RAVEN sightings in the past week. The wintering flock of
AMERICAN ROBINS was seen again on one of the coldest days. The Friends
of Presqu'ile, with the help of the Park Naturalist, have
conscientiously been keeping the feeder at the camp office well stocked,
and the rare wintering PINE WARBLER has been taking full advantage of
it, making frequent visits to the suet there. Another uncommon
overwintering bird at that feeder is a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, which has
been seen there at least twice in the past week. Two others of that
species and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW have been benefiting from the seeds
put out at 83 and 85 Bayshore Road, often seen best from the vacant lot
at 87 Bayshore Road. Two COMMON GRACKLES were there 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” can walk
across
the gap from Owen Point without special footwear. Ice conditions may
make for slippery walking. 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 RoadWeek Ending Ferbruary 5, 2015.
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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