Typical of this time of year, Presqu'ile Provincial Park appears to be overrun with flocks of birds resting and feeding before continuing their southward migration. Each new cold front brings a fresh wave of birds, each wave having a slightly different composition from the preceding one. The two "Greater White-fronted Geese" mentioned in last week's report have been seen on several occasions since then, but each time their identity has been called into question. They appear to be the "occasionally resident" pair of escaped barnyard geese that have confused birders at Prequ'ile for a number of years because of their superficial resemblance to Greater White-fronted Geese. Huge flocks of ducks, usually justifiably wary, can be seen on non-hunting days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays) at Gull Island, in Popham Bay, along the south shore of the peninsula, and in the outer part of Presqu'ile Bay, where a conservative estimate is that ten thousand birds are present. That flock consists predominantly of Greater Scaup, but other species among them, identifiable with a good spotting scope, include a few dozen Redheads, two Canvasbacks, four Surf Scoters, a Black Scoter, and a Ruddy Duck. In the marsh, seen from the viewing platform near the bird sightings board, there were two Northern Shovelers on October 15. About twenty Northern Pintails have been frequenting Owen Point each day until disturbed. Two Ring-necked Ducks and a few Redheads can usually be seen in the flock of about 100 American Coots that have gathered off the entrance to Lilac Lane. Hundreds of Buffleheads have appeared on the lake shore and elsewhere with the latest cold front, as have six Common Goldeneyes at Sebastopol Point, where there were two Long-tailed Ducks on October 15. A Bald Eagle flew over Owen Point twice on the morning of October 15. Merlins are still being seen occasionally, and a larger, dark falcon flew past the lighthouse on October 16. On October 17, there was still an American Golden-Plover at Sebastopol Point, and a Red Knot, presumably the same bird that has been present for weeks, was still at Beach 3, along with five White-rumped Sandpipers. Both Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers were seen on October 15. A Common Snipe was flushed from the gravel bar off Owen Point on October 17. A Saw-whet Owl was seen near the lighthouse on October 12, undoubtedly just one of many that are hiding these days in cedar trees in various parts of the Park. This is also the time when birders should be on the lookout for Long-eared Owls (also hiding in cedars) and Short-eared Owls (around the marsh). An Eastern Wood-Pewee seen at the lighthouse on October 14 was a very late date for that species. Among other lingering songbirds seen during the past week were a Blue-headed Vireo on October 14, a Marsh Wren on October 11, Orange-crowned Warblers on October 11 and 13, Nashville Warblers on October 13 and 14, a Magnolia Warbler and an American Redstart on October 14, a Blackpoll Warbler on October 13, and a Field Sparrow on October 12. 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. Visitors to Gull Island should be prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: FHELLEINER@TRENTU.CA. -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, R.R. #4, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Fred Helleiner <fhelleiner@trentu.ca>