By Doug McRae
Photo: Andrea Kingsley
This report is primarily based on sightings gleaned from eBird, and those reported directly to me. I would be grateful to hear of any interesting sightings. You can reach me at rdouglasmcrae@gmail.com. Your observations are very much appreciated. If you are reporting something rare, please provide some details (exact location, ID features noted) or photographs if possible. Finally in order to try and keep the database as accurate as possible, eBird accounts submitted under false names or pseudonyms will not be used unless I know who the actual observer is.
HIGHLIGHTS: Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
OVERVIEW: We had our worst week for coverage yet with only a few visits to the Park by birders. A number of people who usually bird here have cited the onerous reservation system (or the Park being “full” and unable to get a reservation) instituted this year as the reason for not coming.
SIGHTINGS:
American Bittern: Singles were seen at the Camp Office Viewing Platform on 2 Aug and 5 Aug.
Bald Eagle: Two flew past the lighthouse on 5 Aug – the first in recent weeks.
Bonaparte’s Gull: Two were at Salt Pt. on 1 Aug.
Red-headed Woodpecker: The known family group with two young was visiting Bayshore Rd feeders, but a single immature was also seen in the Campgrounds on 2 Aug (C&MY) suggesting another nesting pair may have been present.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: Two were seen on 1 Aug, likely part of the same group of four seen last week.
Cape May Warbler: The first of fall were two seen on 5 Aug.
Please Note: Access to Gull and High Bluff Island is closed to visitation between 10 March and 10 September to protect the thousands of colonial birds that nest on the islands.
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.
Doug McRae
Shrew Solutions Inc.
240 Presqu’ile Parkway
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5014 H
613-243-4161 C