Birding at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week has been characterized by the appearance of birds in places where they have not been seen all summer, probably the result of post-breeding dispersal rather than migration from the north.
A female WOOD DUCK with a young one was near the marsh boardwalk on Sunday. Among the less common ducks around the shores of Popham Bay this week were AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, GREEN-WINGED TEALS, and (five) COMMON MERGANSERS. A COMMON LOON was seen near the lighthouse. OSPREYS are almost a daily sight around Presqu'ile Bay. There have been additional WILD TURKEY sightings this week, including two birds on one occasion. The shorebird migration has been almost a total loss this past week, with only one or two individuals late last week and none at all in the past few days. One observer described two birds which likely were dowitchers. The viewing area at Owen Point has been greatly enlarged, allowing an uninterrupted view of the natural beach, where shorebirds can be expected to congregate if not disturbed.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO called briefly on July 19. An /empidonax/ flycatcher at the lighthouse was the first at that location in over a month. Other flycatchers will soon be appearing among the early fall migrants. The most recent COMMON RAVEN sighting was on July 16. A CAROLINA WREN giving its call note is a continuing, if erratic, presence at 83 Bayshore Road. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was at 186 Bayshore Road as this report was being drafted. A BROWN THRASHER and a tail-less young one were at Owen Point today. A FIELD SPARROW has been singing regularly behind 71 Bayshore Road. ORCHARD ORIOLES are seen and heard daily at 186 Bayshore Road, and PURPLE FINCHES at 83 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.
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Fred Helleiner
