On Saturday there was some evidence that birds had arrived overnight, but otherwise the spring migration remains below par (which may be good in golf but not in the eyes of birders, who are impatient for the arrival of more spring birds).

A TRUMPETER SWAN with a wing tag numbered K29 was at the High Bluff campground yesterday, the first sighting of that individual near here since January.  Among the growing number of dabbling ducks are many AMERICAN WIGEONS and a NORTHERN SHOVELER, but no BLUE-WINGED TEAL.  A SURF SCOTER present on Sunday and Monday may still be present among the GREATER SCAUP and REDHEADS in Presqu'ile Bay.  RUDDY DUCKS were near Salt Point earlier this week.  Four WILD TURKEYS crossed the road near the Park office on Tuesday and one on Wednesday.  RED-NECKED GREBES have been seen regularly in Presqu'ile Bay.  Two BALD EAGLES, an ICELAND GULL, and a SNOWY OWL were on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on Saturday.  In Jobes' woods a BARRED OWL was seen on Monday, with another not far away.

A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was calling near the back of Jobes' woods.  The first two YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS of the spring arrived this week.  A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen twice in the calf pasture.  A vociferous COMMON RAVEN was flying around the lighthouse area.  On April 4 a HORNED LARK was at Owen Point en route to points north.  A record early NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW seen on April 4 could be added to the Park's records if the observer(s) let the Park (or this writer) know who saw the bird.  A BARN SWALLOW at the lighthouse on that date was also the first of the season.  WINTER WRENS are also appearing.  An influx of sparrows expected this weekend could bring an EASTERN TOWHEE as well as CHIPPING, FIELD, SAVANNAH, FOX, and SWAMP SPARROWS.  Among the COMMON REDPOLLS, most of which have departed along with the PINE SISKINS that were at 186 Bayshore Road late in March, was a HOARY REDPOLL at 83 Bayshore Road as recently as last Friday and at 186 Bayshore Road on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

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 from March 10 onward 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: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.