With a few exceptions, birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has settled in to the summer doldrums, which means that there are many species of birds to be found but which ones are in the Park can usually be predicted with close to certainty.
A TRUMPETER SWAN was reported on June 3. Other waterfowl seen in the past week included an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, a LONG-TAILED DUCK, a BUFFLEHEAD, and HOODED, COMMON, and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. A LEAST BITTERN was in the marsh this morning. From the beach, with the help of a scope, one can observe up to eight GREAT EGRETS on High Bluff Island. A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON flew past the lighthouse on June 4. A VIRGINIA RAIL was reported on June 3. Two BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS spent two days on the beach. The nesting PIPING PLOVERS are now incubating four eggs. Some late migrating sandpipers seen in the past week were RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, and over 30 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. In the past there have been three mid-June (8th - 23rd) records of AMERICAN AVOCET in the Park. A repeat performance can not be ruled out. There were still two BONAPARTE'S GULLS present on June 3.
There has been only one sighting of RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER in the past week though the species is certainly present. As this report was being written, a MERLIN flew past. The tail end of the BLUE JAY migration took place on June 4, when ten birds flew over the lighthouse. Three BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen on Monday. A report of a HERMIT THRUSH on June 3 is puzzling, as this species is rarely seen at Presqu'ile after mid-May. The only warblers that were likely still just passing through were a BLACKPOLL WARBLER on June 3 and a CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER on June 6, and even that one could well be a summer resident. The HOUSE SPARROW population has quadrupled this week, with eight birds, presumably a family group, visiting the feeders daily at 186 Bayshore Road.
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.