Birding Report Mid-summer is not usually an exciting time for birding, but at Presqu'ile Provincial Park one can often find surprises even at this time of year, and the past week has been no exception.
 
A Turkey Vulture near the Park entrance was the first of that species in the Park since the spring migration. Among the ducks on Gull Island, the Northern Pintail that has been there for many weeks was seen twice in the past week. Both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers have been seen in that area as well this week. The spring shorebird migration has finally come to an end, and the first of the fall migrants, a Least Sandpiper, was at Owen Point on June 26. Lesser Yellowlegs will likely be next to return.
 
A late Bonaparte's Gull was at Owen Point on June 26, but the biggest surprise was a Glaucous Gull there on June 25, probably the first summer record at Presqu'ile for a bird that should have been in the Arctic at that season.
 
Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were again found at the calf pasture on June 24. A Winter Wren was singing beside Paxton Drive on June 23. Two Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were singing on June 26. Orchard Orioles are probably present in several parts of the Park, but the only one noted this week was at the calf pasture.
 
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.