Summery weather and a shortage of birders have combined to keep bird observations at Presqu'ile Provincial Park somewhat static.  A few newly arrived migrant birds have served as appetizers for the anticipated influx of warblers, shorebirds, and others.

Two HOODED MERGANSERS and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were on the east shore of Gull Island on August 5.  While GREAT EGRETS continue to be visible on High Bluff Island, a few have appeared in the marsh and elsewhere.  An OSPREY, presumably one of the fledged young from a nearby nest, remained perched on the peak of a roof on Bayshore Road for two consecutive days this week, oblivious to the crowd of people watching and photographing it from the ground and even from the roof, where the children of the occupants sat almost within reach of the bird.  Shorebirds remain surprisingly scarce, the only migrants being up to half a dozen SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and single SEMIPALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS.  A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was on the beach on Monday and this afternoon.

A ROCK PIGEON flew over this afternoon.  Two BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were heard today.  One of the birds that pass through Presqu'ile in August is the COMMON NIGHTHAWK.  Loose flocks should be looked for at dusk over the beach or near the eastern end of the peninsula.  RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, including a male, a female, and a young one, were regular visitors at 83 Bayshore Road.  Since WARBLING VIREOS have stopped singing, the sighting of one today was the first in a few weeks.  A COMMON RAVEN was calling behind the beach dunes today.  An early migrant CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was at 83 Bayshore Road today.

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.