Over 100 species of birds have been seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park
in the past week, a clear indication that the fall migration is in full
swing. The rarer shorebirds that have finally arrived have attracted a
steady stream of birders, most of whom are also finding a variety of
passerine birds.
A few WOOD DUCKS have consistently been in the extreme south-west corner
of the marsh. Two NORTHERN SHOVELERS were off Gull Island on August
28. A surprisingly large flock (over 100 by one count) of WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS has been far offshore in Popham Bay, visible only with good
optical equipment and in favourable viewing conditions. Also far out in
Popham Bay are up to seven HORNED GREBES and up to fourteen RED-NECKED
GREBES. In the family /Ardeidae/, the following five species have been
seen: AMERICAN BITTERN, GREAT BLUE HERON, GREAT EGRET, GREEN HERON,
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON. Single BROAD-WINGED HAWKS on Tuesday and
Wednesday were early migrants.
This week Presqu'ile has reclaimed its reputation as a shorebird hot
spot. They have been easy to observe along the beach south from beach
2, whenever passing falcons leave them alone. Thirteen species have
been observed in the past week, with at least half a dozen more expected
to arrive soon. Two species, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and STILT SANDPIPER
were seen only once, the latter before it flew off, never to be
re-located. In contrast, many observers have been able to identify
difficult species (WHITE-RUMPED and BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS) as well as at
least one PECTORAL SANDPIPER. The main attraction has been BUFF-BREASTED
SANDPIPERS, first seen (one only) on August 29, and increasing to two on
the next day and three thereafter until September 3. The composition of
the shorebird flocks has remained fairly stable all week. Once the
weather pattern changes, more numbers and other species, perhaps
including WESTERN SANDPIPER, may be expected, but observers are
cautioned not to jump to conclusions about that notoriously difficult
species. Up to four GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS have also been on the beach.
A ROCK PIGEON, uncommon at Presqu'ile, was seen on Monday. Nocturnal and
crepuscular birding has revealed the presence of BARRED OWL, varying
numbers of COMMON NIGHTHAWKS (12 on August 28, 10 on August 29, 7 on
August 30), and an EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL. A CHIMNEY SWIFT on August 29
was the first in several months. Among woodpeckers were two RED-BELLIED
and four PILEATED WOODPECKERS. Three species of falcons in the past
week were MERLINS (two chasing shorebirds), AMERICAN KESTREL, and
PEREGINE FALCON (flying past Owen Point on Friday). An OLIVE-SIDED
FLYCATCHER on August 31 and a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER on August 29
were noteworthy. PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were seen on August 28 and
September 1. There were at least three COMMON RAVEN sightings. Two
PURPLE MARTINS on August 28 were rather late. A photograph of a
CAROLINA WREN taken in the Park on August 15 has only recently come to
my attention, but that bird may still be in the Park. Both VEERY and
SWAINSON'S THRUSH were among the migrants present this week. A
TENNESSEE WARBLER was seen on two different days and CAPE MAY WARBLERS
almost every day. The first BLACKPOLL WARBLER was found yesterday,
bringing the total number of warbler species to twenty for the past
week. SCARLET TANAGERS and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS have also been
moving through. Three BOBOLINKS flew over on August 29.
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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