In late fall Presqu'ile Provincial Park seems to attract rare birds, and
this week has been no exception.
Four TUNDRA SWANS flew over Owen Point on October 25. The tally of
GREEN-WINGED TEAL in the marsh reached 220 birds on October 27. Two
SURF SCOTERS were seen on October 25 and one on the next day. Female
BLACK SCOTERS have been regular in Popham Bay (up to four birds) and
opposite 186 Bayshore Road (two birds). Six BLACK-BELLIED (October 26)
and nine SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS (October 25) have been seen. Three
GREATER YELLOWLEGS were in the marsh on October 27. A rather late
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and four WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were present on
October 27. Among the hundreds of BONAPARTE'S GULLS there were two
LITTLE GULLS on October 25 and 26. Although there have been no recent
owl reports, the possibility exists for one of the rarer species to show
up: the most recent sighting of a NORTHERN HAWK-OWL in the Park was on
October 30, 2000.
Both RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS and MERLINS have been seen regularly this
week. One birder saw found single PILEATED WOODPECKERS in three widely
separated parts of the Park in one afternoon. There was still an
EASTERN PHOEBE present on October 27. The highlight of the week was a
WHITE-EYED VIREO that was discovered and photographed near the
lighthouse visitor centre on October 27. During the rest of the day it
was re-located three times and seen by at least six other birders.
Given the wild weather of the past two days, the bird may still be
present. Three of the previous five records of that species at
Presqu'ile have been between October 13 and November 3. The BROWN
THRASHER seen on October 27 was rather late, there being no November
records from Presqu'ile. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was found on Sunday, as
well as a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS on Gull Island, which was still there
on Monday and Tuesday. There were two sightings of YELLOW-RUMPED
WARBLERS this week. Two WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were on Gull Island on
Tuesday. A male PURPLE FINCH came to a feeder last Friday, and two PINE
SISKINS flew over on Tuesday. Two HOUSE SPARROWS are now regular at 186
Bayshore Road.
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 shin-deep at the
deepest point,
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. 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 Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit
http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
Posting guidelines can be found at
http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
