Partly because few birders have been active in Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past week, there are no new bird sightings to report since last Thursday.  That said, the breeding species for which the Park is noted continue to be found, and the variety remains one of the features of mid-summer birding at Presqu'ile.

Only four duck species have been noted in the past week: WOOD DUCK, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, and MALLARD.  Some GREAT EGRETS remain on their nests on High Bluff Island, as do OSPREYS on the lighthouse off Salt Point.  The BONAPARTE'S GULL that was on the beach on July 8 was there again on July 10, and another was in Presqu'ile Bay this afternoon.  Although CASPIAN TERNS continue as a regular breeding bird on Gull Island, there is some concern that their numbers are down from recent years.

A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was again found near the Owen Point trail parking lot.  While no one has reported any owls recently, campers are in a good position to hear BARRED OWLS, which are year-round residents in the Park.  RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS have been visiting the feeders at 83 Bayshore Road.  A MERLIN flew past a week ago.  Again this week, a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was heard near the lighthouse.  Five WOOD THRUSHES on one day could have been a family group.  While warblers are difficult to see at this time of year, the five species seen or heard this week represent only some of the regular breeders at Presqu'ile.  The feeders at 83 Bayshore Road continue to be productive, with as many as three ORCHARD ORIOLES and two PURPLE FINCHES appearing on a single day.  The most recent PINE SISKIN sighting was on July 10.

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.