Since Presqu'ile Provincial Park (now colloquially referred to as "Ile Provincial Park") is closed until further notice, the only bird observations to be reported here are those made prior to the closure on May 29 or from parts of the peninsula not affected by the closure, i.e., private lands.  Meanwhile, birds and other animals appearing in two's may be anticipating the arrival of a biblical saviour.

Two flocks of BRANT (20 and 120) flew past on the weekend.  Two CHIMNEY SWIFTS were near the lighthouse on Friday.  A banded PIPING PLOVER whose provenance is being investigated was seen on May 26 before it flew off.  The most recent WHIMBREL sighting was of a flock of 17 on Gull Island on May 25.  GREAT EGRETS were seen regularly before the closure of the Park.  A BARRED OWL was photographed on May 26.  RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS were seen on May 26 and 27, and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS continue as a daily occurrence at 186 Bayshore Road.  A YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and a PHILADELPHIA VIREO were seen on May 27 and a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER on the following day.  BLUE JAYS were still migrating over the lighthouse as recently as May 29.  The warbler migration appears to have ground to a halt.

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 Park is restricted until further notice, and 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.

Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA.