At Presqu’ile Provincial Park, birding has shown some improvement with the opening up of the outer part of Presqu’ile Bay.

Waterfowl have been pouring in during the last few days.  CANADA GEESE, which have been absent from Presqu’ile Bay for most of the past week, have returned in good numbers, while MUTE SWANS remain almost absent.  CANVASBACKS and REDHEADS have returned in larger numbers than at any time in the past month.  The male RING-NECKED DUCK at Salt Point is still there, as are several WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.  Suddenly on Tuesday, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, of which a few had been seen on most days all winter, re-appeared with more being present than at any time this winter.  A BALD EAGLE was spotted near Salt Point and a possible second bird was on High Bluff Island.   A COOPER’S HAWK posed for a photo near one of the feeders, and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was also seen.  Although Gull Island is still snow-covered, RING-BILLED GULLS are milling around in and above the surrounding waters.  SNOWY OWLS are being seen almost every day, and four were seen on one day.

The RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER that was at 102 Bayshore Road today might be the same individual that has been visiting 186 Bayshore Road rather irregularly.  A COMMON RAVEN was calling near Jobes’ woods.  The time is right for the first HORNED LARKS to appear, and there is a bit of bare ground at Owen Point on which they might settle after crossing the lake.  Two AMERICAN ROBINS and a dozen CEDAR WAXWINGS were seen today.  The over-wintering SONG SPARROW at 186 Bayshore Road continues to be seen.

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.  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: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.