Birding Report As expected at this time of year, birding has remained fairly stable for the past week at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, with few changes from previous weeks. That said, there are still more ducks in Presqu'ile Bay than normal for mid-February.
 
There are still a few Tundra Swans, generally located near the north shore of Presqu'ile Bay, but visible from the south shore vantage points along Bayshore Road. The male American Wigeon accompanying the Greater Scaup and Redheads for the past few weeks was still present on February 15. Canvasbacks and Redheads, about 100 of each, are also present. White-winged Scoters have been seen on each of the past two days (one each day, but apparently not the same bird). Three female Hooded Mergansers on February 15 were one more than the number that have been present since mid-January.
 
An immature Bald Eagle, the first of that species since mid-January, was present on three of the past five days.
 
Pileated Woodpeckers are common enough at Presqu'ile that they are not usually worth reporting, but when other birds are scarce in the woods they do provide a welcome sighting, of which there have been several in the past week. The Snow Bunting flock that has been at Gull Island all winter is still present, as are the two Common Grackles on Bayshore Road near Langton Avenue. The only finches seen in the past week are House Finches, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches, only a few of each and all of them along 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. The channel separating Gull Island from Owen Point is probably less than a metre deep but treacherous to wade across because of the swift currents. If it is ice-covered, the ice is probably unsafe.
 
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.