Just when we thought that the spring migration at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park had ended, contrary evidence showed up to keep visiting birders
(and local ones) on their toes.
Probably the biggest surprise of the week was a very late SNOW GOOSE
that sat among the CANADA GEESE on the beach on June 7. The TRUMPETER
SWAN with wing tag # K29 was seen again on June 5. Fifteen WOOD DUCKS in
the marsh on Monday gave advance notice that similar or larger
concentrations will be occurring there in the fall. Eleven LONG-TAILED
DUCKS off Owen Point on June 5 were either stragglers or a group of
non-breeding individuals that may be spending the summer on Lake
Ontario. A male BUFFLEHEAD that was photographed in the woodpile marsh
on June 6 (also very late) has not been re-located. The nesting COMMON
LOON appears to be still incubating eggs as the parent is consistently
sitting on the nest. A LEAST BITTERN was heard in the marsh on June 5
and another was seen on June 10. In addition to the GREAT EGRETS that
can be seen on High Bluff Island, one was sitting in a tree overlooking
the marsh this morning. A GREEN HERON flew towards the marsh
yesterday. Despite the constant presence of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS
on Sebastopol Island, a few BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS continue to
occupy their nests there. RED-TAILED HAWKS are not often seen in the
Park in summer, but one was seen on June 6.
Until this morning, most of the shorebird migration appeared to be over,
but today there were two flocks of SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, totalling
about 140 birds. One flock also contained about six DUNLINS. Two
SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS on June 6 were also rather late, as was a GREAT
BLACK-BACKED GULL on June 5 and 11. Unusual terns sometimes show up in
June. For example, four FORSTER'S TERNS were on the beach on this date
in 2003, and a SANDWICH TERN spent almost two weeks around Gull Island,
beginning on June 14 in 1988.
On June 6, a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was photographed and another was heard
less than a kilometre away. Also on that date a PILEATED WOODPECKER was
seen. Six WILLOW FLYCATCHERS were between the beginning of the Owen
Point trail and Owen Point. A late May BLUE JAY migration over the
lighthouse is a regular phenomenon, but the sight of five birds that
were doing that on June 10 was much later than expected. Three WINTER
WRENS were singing in "the Fingers", where they undoubtedly nest. A
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and three singing WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS were also
there and probably breeding, unlike the TENNESSEE WARBLER on June 5 or
the BLACKPOLL WARBLER on June 7. A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was heard in
the calf pasture, bringing that observer's Presqu'ile list to 256, not
too bad for someone that visits the Park only infrequently. Two birders
independently found a singing BOBOLINK in the calf pasture on June 6.
ORCHARD ORIOLES and PURPLE FINCHES continue to be seen. The HOUSE
SPARROWS at the end of Bayshore Road have fledged several young, perhaps
the first confirmed breeding for Presqu'ile.
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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