Hello birders:
Of the 63 bird species spotted collectively by the 30 participants, BRANT,
PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN COOT, EVENING GROSBEAK, GREAT HORNED OWL,
RED-THROATED LOON, EASTERN TOWHEE, BROWN THRASHER, and GREATER YELLOWLEGS
were the highlights.
A one-day reprieve from gloomy weather made for a delightful outing for the
30 participants. The temperature peaked at about 7 degrees Celsius under
sunny skies as a light wind gradually shifted from northeast to east.
*Cobourg Harbour*
Several BONAPARTE'S GULLS fed at close range and a single BRANT fed at even
closer range, delighting many. A male BELTED KINGFISHER ("It's right behind
the 'No Fishing' sign"), a single HORNED GREBE, and a small flock of SNOW
BUNTINGS were other notables here.
*The Birdhouse Nature Store, Brighton*
While PINE SISKINS and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES busily fed on the nyger
feeders, six EVENING GROSBEAKS (3 males; 3 females) rested above in the
cottonwoods. A male RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD also put in an appearance.
*The causeway marsh (northern border of Presqu'ile Provincial Park)*
Singles of NORTHERN PINTAIL and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK fed with MALLARDS and
GREEN-WINGED TEAL on the north side; an AMERICAN COOT and a resting
PIED-BILLED GREBE stayed close to the cattails on the south side.
*Owen Point, Presqu'ile*
An immature MERLIN was likely the cause of the limited shorebirds numbers,
which comprised five distant BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS feeding with two "peep"
species on the south shore of Gull Island. A NORTHERN HARRIER hunting over
the island may have contributed to the scarce shorebirds, too. Some
participants spotted and photographed a GREAT HORNED OWL in the cedars near
the Park Store parking lot before it fled.
*Presqu'ile Bay*
>From both the Government Dock and the base of Salt Point along residential
Bayshore Road, we enjoyed side-by-side comparisons of COMMON and
RED-THROATED LOONS. A male WHITE-WINGED SCOTER resting on the end of Salt
Point was the closest of the handful we saw throughout the day. A
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK drifted from northeast to southwest, flapping
frequently.
*Gilmour property, Presqu'ile*
Loads of finches and sparrows were feeding here, including singles of SONG
SPARROW and EASTERN TOWHEE and multiple WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS (one of
which appeared to be in great distress as it remained stationary on the
ground and seemingly worked to regurgitate something). The BROWN THRASHER,
BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD (male), and COMMON GRACKLE (male) are unlikely to stay
for much longer. An elusive November butterfly sighting manifested in an
Eastern Comma sunning on the lawn.
*Presqu'ile Yacht Club, Gosport*
Our final stop was at this nearby marshy inlet where we scoped a single
AMERICAN WIGEON, two NORTHERN PINTAILS, and two GREATER YELLOWLEGS in the
late-afternoon light.
Thanks go to Bill Gilmour and Maureen Riggs for their assistance and to the
Gilmour family for allowing us to enjoy their feeders.
Cobourg Harbour is between the south ends of Division St. and Third St. in
Cobourg. Apprixamtely 30 minutes east, Presqu'ile Provincial Park is well
signed south of Highway 401 exit 509; the Birdhouse Nature Store is just
outside the Park gate. The Presqu'ile Yacht Club is outside the Park in the
adjacent village of Gosport to the east.
Thanks to all who attended and hopefully we'll see you again next year!
Ian and Sofia Shanahan
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