Presqu'ile Provincial Park is always a good spot to go birding, though the mid-summer doldrums usually restrict the menu to the breeding birds, of which there is a good variety.  This week one or two species have been found that have not been reported in recent weeks.

GADWALLS can usually be seen on the north shore of Gull Island, and three REDHEADS were there on July 20.  A male RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was on the east shore of Gull Island today.  Although most AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN sightings at Presqu'ile have been in August, one was present for two days on July 25-26 eleven years ago.  GREAT EGRETS remain at their nests on High Bluff Island.  A COMMON GALLINULE was seen on July 20. 

RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were seen in two different parts of the Park this week, and two PILEATED WOODPECKERS were seen yesterday.  MERLINS have also been seen and heard this week.  A CAROLINA WREN was heard, and a banded HOUSE WREN was seen, which may have been among birds banded nearby this spring.  BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen in at least two different parts of the Park this week.  PURPLE FINCHES continue to visit the feeders 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 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.