Back to News
Birding Report Presqu'ile Provincial Park was spared the snow that blanketed nearby areas this week, but otherwise had consistently below normal temperatures, wet weather, and northerly winds. The cold, wet weather kept birding activity to a minimum, but a few new migrants did trickle in.
 
The only significant movement of Canada Geese took place on the morning of April 19. Most of the ducks have moved on, but the Surf Scoter and the Ruddy Ducks can still be found every day between the government dock and Langdon Avenue. Both Red-throated Loons and Common Loons can be spotted in Popham Bay, and the latter on all sides of the peninsula and overhead in the early morning. An American Bittern was in the marsh on April 14, and a Great Egret on April 19. More Bonaparte's Gulls seem to have moved in during the day today.
 
Yet another sighting of the Northern Shrike at the calf pasture occurred on April 13, surely the last of the season. Tree Swallow numbers have been gradually building up, but other swallows have yet to appear. The first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the season was discovered on April 17 near High Bluff campground. Other species to be looked for in coming days are Pine Warblers and Palm Warblers. Both Chipping Sparrows and Field Sparrows were seen in various places, and on April 19 a Vesper Sparrow and a Fox Sparrow were seen.
 
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.