February is typically a slow month for birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, but a few interesting birds have been seen in the past week, most of which have been there all winter. In short, conditions have been static and seem unlikely to change for at least the next week.
Two REDHEADS and a male RING-NECKED DUCK were among the flock of GREATER SCAUP in Presqu'ile Bay today, a flock which has been growing slowly all week. BALD EAGLES are being seen on most days around Presqu'ile Bay, usually one or two adults and an immature. On Sunday two adults were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in a tree overlooking the bay, perhaps following up from a nearby mid-air display of apparent courtship a week earlier. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was seen on January 30. For GREAT HORNED OWLS, February is not too early for courtship and even nesting. The species is regular in "the fingers" and may already be heard calling there after dusk. A SNOWY OWL along Bayshore Road on Tuesday was the only one in the past week. BARRED OWLS have been seen this week near Jobes' woods, along the Newcastle trail (twice), and near the Nature Centre (perhaps the same bird).
A PILEATED WOODPECKER was seen on January 31 and February 1. There were two COMMON RAVEN sightings in the past week. The wintering flock of AMERICAN ROBINS was seen again on one of the coldest days. The Friends of Presqu'ile, with the help of the Park Naturalist, have conscientiously been keeping the feeder at the camp office well stocked, and the rare wintering PINE WARBLER has been taking full advantage of
it, making frequent visits to the suet there. Another uncommon
overwintering bird at that feeder is a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, which has been seen there at least twice in the past week. Two others of that species and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW have been benefiting from the seeds put out at 83 and 85 Bayshore Road, often seen best from the vacant lot at 87 Bayshore Road. Two COMMON GRACKLES were there on 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. Visitors to Gull "Island” can walk across the gap from Owen Point without special footwear. Ice conditions may make for slippery walking. 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 <mailto:FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA>.
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Fred Helleiner
