Even in mid-winter, ther can be some interesting bird sightings at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, and this week has been no exception.
Even in mid-winter, some interesting birds can be found at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park, and this week has been no exception.
Since the beginning of the year, only one individual dabbling duck has
been reported, but now that February has arrived the first migrants may
be expected if there is another warm front, perhaps a MALLARD or a
GADWALL, either of which is usually among the first to return. On
January 29, a male CANVASBACK was off the government dock. A day
earlier there had been about 400 REDHEADS there, but those numbers have
been dwindling ever since, as Presqu'ile Bay has largely frozen over.
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS are still being seen there in small numbers. Both
RUFFED GROUSE and WILD TURKEY have been seen in the past week. An
ICELAND GULL was among the HERRING GULLS off the government dock this
morning. A few BALD EAGLES can be seen on most days either on the ice
of Presqu'ile Bay or in the surrounding trees, including two adults this
morning and an immature this afternoon. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and a
COOPER'S HAWK have also been seen. SNOWY OWLS have been regular on the
offshore islands, though photographers have been spooking them away from
Gull Island to the other two. As well, one has been on the ice of
Presqu'ile Bay. NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS may well be scattered throughout
the wooded areas of the Park but are extremely difficult to find as they
hide in the thickest foliage of cedar trees. Such was the case with the
one on Saturday that sat inconspicuously for a good many observers to
try to spot it. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, PILEATED WOODPECKERS, and
COMMON RAVENS are again being seen here and there. Two NORTHERN SHRIKES
were present this afternoon, one at the beach 1 access road and one at
the calf pasture. There continue to be WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at 83
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 aware that the ice between Owen Point and the islandmay
or may not support the weight of a human. They may also encounter
aslippery coating of ice on the rocks. Ice cleats are recommended.
Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird
sightingsboard provided near the campground office by The Friends of
Presqu'ilePark 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]>.
since the beginning
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 aware that the ice between Owen Point and the islandmay
or may not support the weight of a human. They may also encounter
aslippery coating of ice on the rocks. Ice cleats are recommended.
Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird
sightingsboard provided near the campground office by The Friends of
Presqu'ilePark 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
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