Although November is generally considered to be a slow month for birding in Ontario, there is plenty of variety at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. On a single day this week, two diligent observers were able to find a remarkable 86 species of birds, and at least two additional species were seen in the Park on the same day. There are few, if any, other places in the province where such a variety could be found in mid-November in such a restricted area. Popham Bay seems to be the best location for finding water birds this week. Both Red-throated and Common Loons and Horned and Red-necked Grebes were seen there, as well as Double-crested Cormorants, Canada Geese, and a good variety of ducks. Presqu'ile Bay also has many waterfowl, including a few Tundra Swans. The large flock of Ring-necked Ducks that was present for over two weeks appears to have moved on. Viewing conditions often determine what ducks can be seen and identified far out in Lake Ontario. Tuesday afternoon's conditions were ideal, and an estimated 4,500 White-winged Scoters, as well as two Surf and one Black Scoter were seen. There is still one Merlin being seen regularly at Owen Point and Gull Island. As long as there are shorebirds in the area, there is little incentive for it to leave. The numbers of shorebirds are down sharply from earlier in the week, but it is still easy to find 100 Dunlins. Those flocks should be scanned closely, for they usually contain some of the superficially similar White-rumped Sandpipers (as many as 20 on November 14) and recently one or two Purple Sandpipers as well. The latter rare species, typically a November shorebird, was seen this week at opposite ends of the Park, most recently two individuals at Owen Point on November 14. Also on that date, sightings of an American Golden-Plover at Gull Island and of the long-staying Red Knot near the north end of the beach represent very late records, the latter being an all-time record for Presqu'ile. Low water levels have exposed mud flats alongside the causeway leading into the Park and in the marsh opposite the bird sightings board. Both of those areas have been productive shorebird habitats this week. On November 14, two adult Little Gulls were flying with the Bonaparte's Gulls over the marsh (visible from Bayshore Road) and another, or perhaps one of the same birds, was at Gull Island. The first Glaucous Gull of the season, apparently the earliest on record by one day, flew in to join the other gulls on a gravel bar off Gull Island on November 14. That is a sign that Iceland Gulls will not be far behind. Barred Owls are almost certainly year-round residents of Jobes' Woods, but usually manage to stay hidden from birders. One of these birds was calling at dusk on November 12, suggesting that, if birders make the effort, the species can be found at Presqu'ile. A Northern Shrike at the entrance to the marsh boardwalk on November 12 was only the second one seen here this fall. Several songbirds that normally leave here in early November or earlier were seen this week: a Winter Wren on November 12; Ruby-crowned Kinglets almost every day; a Hermit Thrush (later than any date cited in Birds of Presqu'ile Provincial Park except for a few winter records); a Gray Catbird on the calf pasture peninsula that continues to establish late records at least until November 12; several American Pipits on Gull Island on November 12; several Yellow-rumped Warblers including three at the lighthouse on November 14; an exceptionally late Northern Waterthrush that briefly visited a feeder at 83 Bayshore Road on November 9, more than six weeks later than the previous published record; a White-crowned Sparrow at 186 Bayshore Road on November 14. Snow Buntings and single Lapland Longspurs appear regularly on Gull Island, and a flock of Snow Buntings was also at the calf pasture. Looking ahead to the Christmas Bird Count, which is only a month away, the continued presence of a few Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles at Bayshore Road feeders raises hopes that these birds will stay to be counted. The prospect appears slim that winter finches will feature prominently on that bird count, although five Purple Finches seen on November 12 may be a sign of better things to come. 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, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, 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>