Though the evidence is limited, it is clear that the fall migration has begun, albeit with a whimper, at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

Two AMERICAN WIGEONS were off Owen Point yesterday and one was still there today.  Three male GREATER SCAUP were there on July 3, and a female COMMON GOLDENEYE was nearby yesterday.  Two HOODED MERGANSERS have been in the woodpile marsh since Tuesday.  At least three broods of freshly hatched PIED-BILLED GREBES are now visible.  GREAT EGRETS are still visible in the trees on High Bluff Island.  A COOPER'S HAWK was seen on July 2.  A COMMON GALLINULE was again in the woodpile marsh.  The three fledgling PIPING PLOVERS were banded today, and the parents are still around.  Two LEAST SANDPIPERS on the beach on Tuesday and today were the first fall migrants, though a SOLITARY SANDPIPER was a day earlier at the nearby constructed wetland.  Other shorebirds, perhaps LESSER YELLOWLEGS, should be arriving soon.  There were two AMERICAN WOODCOCK sightings in the past week.  An estimated 200 CASPIAN TERNS were off Owen Point this week.  Two young BARRED OWLS were photographed in Jobes' woods.

A MERLIN was seen on Saturday.  The HOODED WARBLER discovered in Jobes' woods last week has been heard and briefly sighted several times in the past week, usually in the morning.  There were two SCARLET TANAGER sightings in the past week.  A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK was feeding a young bird in Jobes' woods.  In spite of the hot weather, which kept many birds silent, a male INDIGO BUNTING was singing from an elevated perch near noon today in one of the places where the species is often seen in summer.  Two ORCHARD ORIOLES were at the calf pasture yesterday.  A female PURPLE FINCH was also seen yesterday.

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 from March 10 onward 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.