Bruce Di Labio's Blog: October 28, 2012 Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park and area.

Monday, October 29, 2012

October 28, 2012 Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park and area.

Hi all,

Lots of birds today in the Presqu'ile area.

Bruce Di Labio, Bill Gilmour and Mike Runtz all reported that a second Hudsonian Godwit has appeared at Gosport and from the looks of it (albeit in very poor light) the new bird is a juv. (the other is an adult). The Glossy Ibis is feeding away in spite of wind and rain.
Also at Gosport were 8 G Yellowlegs, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 Pectoral and 20 Dunlins.

At Presqu'ile this morning there was a Short-eared Owl flushed from the NW corner of Gull Is. After circling the island and picking up a small party of mobbing Bonaparte's Gulls the owl headed for High Bluff Island. There were a number of shorebirds about included 2 White-rumps, 12 Sanderlings, 40+ Dunlins, 3 Pectoral, 1 Lesser Yellowlegs and as many as
60 Greaters. At the Lighthouse there was a single E Phoebe, a Nashville and a Black-throated Green among 40+ Myrtles, and a single Meadowlark perched atop a tree near the Lighthouse briefly. There were also hundreds of junco's and siskins milling about.

Cheers,

Doug

Directions for Gosport: From Brighton go south on Prince Edward Street
(the main N/S road from downtown), over the railway tracks. Follow
the road as it swings left and just before you get to the Constructed
Wetland, turn right on to Harbour St. Follow Harbour for a few
hundred meters and turn left on Baldwin St. Follow Baldwin St. south
into Gosport. Turn left on to Price Street (at ball diamond) and
follow to the very end. Walk east along the mowed path and stand on
the tip of land and look north.

Directions for Presqu'ile P.P.: 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 not using a
boat should be able to walk across the gap without special footwear unless a wind change creates a gap of shallow water. 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. Birders are encouraged to
record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the
campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a
rare bird report for species not listed there.

A view of Sebastopol Island/point.

A view of High Bluff Island.

Due to the low water levels on Lake Ontario, Owen Point and Gull Island are connected by a long, wide gravel bar. No rubber boots nesacerary!

Flocks of American Tree Sparrows were on the move south.

The American Tree Sparrow winters throughtout eastern Ontario.

American Robins were plentiful in the park feeding on a variety of berries.

The Pine Siskin is on the move too and numerous large flocks were sighted in the park and at feeders.

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Monday, October 29, 2012

October 28, 2012 Birding Presqu'ile Provincial Park and area.

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