Birding Report

POSTED | April 4, 2013 - Fred Helleiner

Birding Report

Some bird species have returned to Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past week, but none that are earlier than expected. In fact, most of them are later than the normal dates of arrival.

A flock of six SNOW GEESE flew over on March 30. There were still two TUNDRA SWANS in Presqu'ile Bay on March 31. BLUE-WINGED TEALS were present on two different days. Exceptionally large numbers of NORTHERN PINTAILS and GREEN-WINGED TEAL were present this morning. Two RED-THROATED LOONS were spotted in Popham Bay on March 30, and a COMMON LOON was seen on April 2. Several dozen DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are making Gull Island their base pending occupation of their nests on High Bluff Island. BALD EAGLES were seen on three different days, and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was on High Bluff Island. In the space of less than five minutes, three AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were heard performing. March 30 was an exceptional day for gulls off Owen Point: among others, five ICELAND GULLS, three LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, and four GLAUCOUS GULLS. The first CASPIAN TERNS were seen on March 31.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are now appearing where they have not been all winter. Three TREE SWALLOWS were near the lighthouse yesterday. WINTER WRENS and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS are back in close to normal numbers. At this time of year it is not uncommon to find FOX SPARROWS foraging along the roadside among SONG SPARROWS and DARK-EYED JUNCOES, but as yet not one has appeared. The first EASTERN MEADOWLARKS returned this week. A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen on March 30.

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

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