Birding Report

POSTED | August 15, 2013 - Fred Helleiner

Birding Report

A few uncommon birds have been among the newly arrived fall migrants at Presqu`ìle Provincial Park this week.

A LEAST BITTERN was flushed from beside the marsh boardwalk this morning. GREAT EGRETS are being seen almost every day. A MERLIN was perched in shrubbery beside the beach this morning, keeping watch over nearby shorebirds. Although eight species of shorebirds have been seen this week, with numbers increasing daily, there are still a few that have not yet appeared and should be expected by now. The first BAIRD`S SANDPIPER arrived yesterday, and three were present this morning.

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are being seen daily at 83 Bayshore Road. Single OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were at the calf pasture on Monday and Tuesday. A YELLOW-BELLED FLYCATCHER was seen on Sunday. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen on five of the past seven days, with two on one day. Among the growing numbers of twelve warbler species passing through Presqu`ìle this week were a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER at the calf pasture on August 12, a MOURNING WARBLER on two days, CAPE MAY WARBLERS on four days, including three on August 11, at least two BAY-BREASTED WARBLERS, and a CANADA WARBLER. Singles of WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, INDIGO BUNTING, ORCHARD ORIOLE, and PURPLE FINCH were probably birds that were present in the Park all summer.

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

Back to News