Spring bird migration is proceeding at a normal pace at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this year. The majority of the spring birds are ducks, which will be the focus of the annual Waterfowl Weekend on March 19 and 20. If the ice margin continues to recede, conditions should be ideal by that date.
Two TRUMPETER SWANS have been out in Presqu'ile Bay this week. Among the ducks that have not been around all winter but have been seen this week were GADWALLS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and HOODED MERGANSERS, as well as an AMERICAN COOT. There have been three sightings of single WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and three were seen this afternoon. The BARROW'S GOLDENEYE that was present all winter has not been reported since March 7.
An adult BALD EAGLE scared up the ducks on March 9. Other raptors such as AMERICAN KESTRELS may be showing up soon. BARRED OWLS were seen three times in the past week.
The CAROLINA WREN at 186 Bayshore Road shows no sign of leaving. It is debatable whether the GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS found today were here all winter or are newly arrived. With so many AMERICAN ROBINS returning this week, it would be worth watching for EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in the next few days. The SONG SPARROW at 102 Bayshore Road was singing this afternoon. At least one of the wintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at 83 Bayshore Road has survived the winter. Although RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS have been around all winter, there has been an influx of many males and one female in the past few days. COMMON REDPOLLS have been abundant in the past week, and at least one HOARY REDPOLL has been with them at 186 Bayshore Road for the past three days.
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: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.
--
Fred Helleiner
