Not surprisingly, a number of spring migrant birds arrived at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park this week (as well as a skunk and a chipmunk). In
particular, waterfowl are now abundant, which bodes well for the
forthcoming Waterfowl Viewing Weekend, taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
A male WOOD DUCK was present for three consecutive days. The first two
GADWALLS appeared on March 9. A record early NORTHERN SHOVELER,
normally one of the latest dabbling ducks to return, arrived on March 8,
a record early date, and two were present on March 10. A NORTHERN
PINTAIL showed up yesterday. Within the next day or two, we might
expect AMERICAN WIGEONS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL, which are usually among
the first dabblers to return. Diving ducks are by far the most abundant,
especially REDHEADS and GREATER SCAUP, but RING-NECKED DUCKS, LESSER
SCAUP, WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, and HOODED MERGANSER have all been present
in small numbers, in addition to all of the normal winter ducks. A
record early RED-THROATED LOON was off the government dock yesterday and
today, and someone heard a COMMON LOON today. At least two RED-NECKED
GREBES were also present yesterday. The first GREAT BLUE HERON of the
spring was seen on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay this afternoon.
After a run of seven consecutive days with BALD EAGLES (six on Sunday),
no one has reported any for the past three days. A COOPER'S HAWK sat
watching a bird feeder on Tuesday. The first AMERICAN COOT of the
season was at the government dock this morning. RING-BILLED GULLS are
back /en masse/ on Gull Island. A GLAUCOUS GULL sat among HERRING GULLS
off the government dock on Monday. Again this week, a BARRED OWL was
perched beside Paxton Drive.
PILEATED WOODPECKERS were seen on four different days, and NORTHERN
SHRIKES on two. Three AMERICAN CROWS were dive-bombing a COMMON RAVEN
today, perhaps one of the two seen yesterday. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS
are known to winter in the Park but are difficult to find, the two on
Sunday being the first found since December. Individual AMERICAN ROBINS
are back (not to be confused with the overwintering flock). A dozen
SNOW BUNTINGS were on Gull Island on Sunday. A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD was
present on two days, and a COMMON GRACKLE was heard on one day. Single
HOARY REDPOLLS were at 83 Bayshore Road on Tuesday and today. A HOUSE
SPARROW was also there.
//
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].
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
_______________________________________________
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