Newly arriving migrants have made for great birding at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park this past week, though the stereotypical fallout that
has trees dripping with birds that wintered in the tropics has yet to occur.
The first BLUE-WINGED TEAL of the season was in the woodpile marsh on
April 21. With the campground opening this weekend, campers using tents
instead of soundproof motorhomes may be treated to the sound of an early
WHIP-POOR-WILL. A VIRGINIA RAIL has been both seen and heard in the
marsh near the entrance to the boardwalk, where YELLOW RAILS are
sometimes heard in late April and early May. The male PIPING PLOVER
that successfully fathered three ploverlings on the beach last year
reappeared on beach 2 on April 21, tying the record early date
established in 1994. It or another was still there on April 24, 26, and
27, presumably awaiting the arrival of its mate from last year and/or
one or more of its offspring. A SPOTTED SANDPIPER was near the
lighthouse this morning. No one was able to pick out a LITTLE GULL from
among the several flocks of BONAPARTE'S GULLS seen on the weekend, but
this is normally the peak time of their spring migration. A
RED-THROATED LOON was far out in Popham Bay yesterday. Indicative of
surprises that may occur at this time of year was the adult NORTHERN
GANNET that flew past on May 1 four years ago. GREAT EGRETS and
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS are apparently nesting on High Bluff Island,
and the former have been seen from the marsh boardwalk. A RED-TAILED
HAWK on Saturday was unusual in the Park at this late date.
Two new flycatcher species appeared this morning: a GREAT CRESTED
FLYCATCHER in Newcastle woods which was one day earlier than the
previous early record and an EASTERN KINGBIRD flying over near the
lighthouse. A COMMON RAVEN was again seen this week. While chatting at
a picnic table on the lawn in front of the lighthouse visitor centre on
Sunday, three birders were surprised to see a HORNED LARK feeding only a
few metres away, in an unexpected location. The good news story is that
the three remaining PURPLE MARTIN houses at the end of Bayshore Road are
now occupied by at least 16 of the birds, apparently having evicted
previous occupants (HOUSE SPARROW and TREE SWALLOW). A BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHER was at the lighthouse on Sunday. The first WOOD THRUSH of
the year arrived this morning. A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at 12 Bayshore
Road this afternoon may be the same bird that spent a few days almost a
fortnight ago at 115 Bayshore Road. The warbler migration at Presqu'ile
is slowly getting under way. In addition to the two species reported
last week, there have been sightings of NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (since
April 24), PALM WARBLER (April 24 and 25), and BLACK-THROATED GREEN
WARBLER (April 24). WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS appeared for the first time
this morning. Two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were at the lighthouse on Saturday.
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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