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Birding Report As is to be expected in early July, little has changed on the birding scene at Presqu'ile Provincial Park from a week earlier, which is to say that there are plenty of birds, and a good variety, most of them being summer residents.
 
The Trumpeter Swan which has been accompanying a Mute Swan just outside the Park gates since early spring has been seen in that area as recently as June 29. Wood Ducks were in the marsh as recently as June 30 and are likely still there. Other ducks in the vicinity of Gull Island on most days include Gadwalls, an American Wigeon, up to five Redheads, and four scaup. Common Loons are regularly seen in Presqu'ile Bay and Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons have been frequenting the marsh.
 
A Semipalmated Plover and a Semipalmated Sandpiper were near Owen Point on June 30 and July 1. Two early Least Sandpipers, the forerunners of the hordes of shorebirds that will soon be descending on Presqu'ile, were foraging on the algae mats at Owen Point on July 1 and 3. As the algae continues to build up, more of that species can be expected, as well as other species such as Baird's Sandpiper and Stilt Sandpiper, both of which are normally absent at Presqu'ile in spring but have shown up in early July in recent years. A Bonaparte's Gull was at the lighthouse on July 1.
 
A Rock Pigeon showed up at 186 Bayshore Road, where they are seldom noted. Four Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, probably a family group, have also been frequenting that address. An Eastern Towhee was at the calf pasture, in exactly the same location where one was found over three weeks ago. An Orchard Oriole was near the lighthouse on July 3 and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak on July 5.
 
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.
 
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.