Most of the birds seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past week have been the same species that have appeared off and on throughout the winter.  That may change with the promise of a warm weekend ahead and the possible arrival of some early migrants. Even a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in February would not be unprecedented at Presqu'ile.

Two AMERICAN WIGEONS and an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK off the government dock yesterday are birds that were somewhat unexpected there.  On the other hand, CANVASBACKS are now there every day.  A flock of about 25 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS that flew past Salt Point on Tuesday was by far the largest number seen this year, a group of five having been there through most of the winter.  The 20 COMMON MERGANSERS off the government dock yesterday were also more than the occasional one or two that have been seen over the past few weeks.  On Saturday, both ICELAND GULL and GLAUCOUS GULL were among the other gulls on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay.

One or two BALD EAGLES can be seen on most days around Presqu'ile Bay. The only other raptors in the past week were a COOPER'S HAWK and a BARRED OWL.  One observer saw two PILEATED WOODPECKERS at the campground office.  The COMMON RAVEN with a broken wing has so far eluded the manyred foxes along Bayshore Road and was seen again this afternoon in front of #80.  HORNED LARKS and SNOW BUNTINGS (100 or more) were on Gull Island on Tuesday.  Two PINE SISKINS were at 83 Bayshore Road on Saturday.

Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Visitors to Gull Islandmay encounter a slippery coating of ice on the rocks and drifts of snow obscuring water below.  Ice cleats are recommended.

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.