HIGHLIGHTS: Snowy Owl
OVERVIEW: Waterbird numbers continue to increase, especially among diving and sea ducks. Landbirds - other than the ones staying the winter – have become scarce with no warblers or flycatchers reported for the first time this fall. Coverage has been limited which may be partly responsible for the relative dearth of birds. Note that as of 15 Nov birders are not permitted on Owen Pt. on hunting days (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) even when no one is hunting.
SIGHTINGS:
White-winged Scoter: Present through the week with a high of 55 on 11 Nov.
Pied-billed Grebe: Small numbers still present in the marshes with a high of 8 on 6 Nov.
Rough-legged Hawk: A dark morph bird was seen at Beach 1 on 10 Nov.
Black-bellied Plover: Small numbers present through the week with a high 10 on 11 Nov.
Ruddy Turnstone: A single late bird was seen on 11 Nov.
Sanderling: Present through the week with a high of 30 on 8 Nov.
Dunlin: Present through the week but in lower numbers than “usual” with a high of only 6 on 11 Nov.
White-rumped Sandpiper: Two seen on 11 Nov (DB) was the only report. The young of the year, which come later than most shorebirds, usually peak in late October but have been unusually scarce this fall perhaps indicating a poor breeding year.
Snowy Owl: The first bird of the winter was seen by many along the main road on 8 Nov.
Northern Flicker: Most have left now but one was still present on 8 Nov.
Horned Lark: A flock of 14 flying over Salt Pt. on 8 Nov was a good count and in an unusual location.
European Starling: Big numbers are roosting in the marsh at night as evidenced by a report of 1800 on 7 Nov.
American Pipit: One was on the beach on 9 Nov.
Snow Bunting: Present through the week with a high of 50 on 11 Nov.
White-crowned Sparrow: One lingered at a feeder until 8 Nov and may be the last of fall.
Fox Sparrow: Two seen on 7 Nov was the only report. This species has been unusually scarce this fall.
Brown-headed Cowbird: Five were at a feeder on 8 Nov.
Pine Siskin: A single on 8 Nov was the only report.
Please Note: Presqu’ile Provincial Park permits waterfowl hunting from Saturday 25 September until Saturday 18 Dec on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Access to the marsh (other than the Marsh Boardwalk Trail), Calf Pasture Point, Gull Island and High Bluff Island is closed to all park users except registered hunters on those days. Once blinds are placed on Owen Pt. on 15 November, the whole of the Point to the High Bluff Campground will also be closed.
Directions: Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located south of Brighton on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is well signed from either Hwy. 401 or Cty. Rd. 2.
