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[Ontbirds]Feeding Frenzy continues at Presqu'ile 25,000+ birds

BD
Bree, David (MNR)
Wed, Nov 5, 2008 1:49 PM

Hi All

Don Shanahan's posting of yesterday prompted me to go down to the beach
this AM.  There was a huge congregation of birds at the north end of the
beach, beyond the park boundary and well west along the Lake Ontario
shoreline.  It was still foggy so visibility was limited but as far as I
could see were birds.  A long term resident walking the beach said she
had never seen so many. My estimate of 25,000 birds may be a gross
underestimate.  From half a kilometre away the sound of the ducks
pattering along the surface to take off sounded like a big approaching
storm.

So what was in there?  All I can say was lots of Bonaparte Gulls, lots
of mergansers and lots of Long-tailed Ducks but there were definitely
other gulls and once the fog lifts I'm sure the diligent observer will
pick out a few unusual birds. At the moment it is calm and sunny, so
once the fog goes visibility should be good. Hopefully the flock will
move back south into the park proper.

David

The park can be reached by exiting the 401 south at exit 509 (Hwy 30)
and following the signs, it is about a 15 minute drive from the 401.

David Bree

Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Leader

Presqu'ile Provincial Park

328 Presqu'ile Parkway

Brighton, ON  K0K 1H0

Tel: (613) 475-4324 ext. 225

Fax: (613) 475-2209

Hi All Don Shanahan's posting of yesterday prompted me to go down to the beach this AM. There was a huge congregation of birds at the north end of the beach, beyond the park boundary and well west along the Lake Ontario shoreline. It was still foggy so visibility was limited but as far as I could see were birds. A long term resident walking the beach said she had never seen so many. My estimate of 25,000 birds may be a gross underestimate. From half a kilometre away the sound of the ducks pattering along the surface to take off sounded like a big approaching storm. So what was in there? All I can say was lots of Bonaparte Gulls, lots of mergansers and lots of Long-tailed Ducks but there were definitely other gulls and once the fog lifts I'm sure the diligent observer will pick out a few unusual birds. At the moment it is calm and sunny, so once the fog goes visibility should be good. Hopefully the flock will move back south into the park proper. David The park can be reached by exiting the 401 south at exit 509 (Hwy 30) and following the signs, it is about a 15 minute drive from the 401. David Bree Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Leader Presqu'ile Provincial Park 328 Presqu'ile Parkway Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Tel: (613) 475-4324 ext. 225 Fax: (613) 475-2209