While most songbird activity at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has stabilized at a level reminiscent of winter birding, there continues to be variation from day to day along the shores and in the water. In particular, the freezing of the marsh for a couple of days earlier in the week forced the temporary evacuation of all the waterfowl that had been foraging there. The Red-throated Loon that had been a regular visitor at Salt Point up till October 23 (or perhaps a different one) put in a surprise re-appearance on November 9, but has not been seen since. The most recent sighting of a Horned Grebe was at the lighthouse on November 12. A single Double-crested Cormorant appears to be lingering between the calf pasture and Salt Point, and a Great Blue Heron is a fixture in the marsh. All three species of swans have been in the Park this week. Mute Swan numbers have reached several score, the lone Trumpeter Swan in the marsh has been seen as recently as November 10, and Tundra Swans were at Salt Point (12 on November 10) and in the marsh (2 on November 12). Northern Pintails have also been present in the marsh up to November 10, a Northern Shoveler was there on November 12, and two Hooded Mergansers were there on November 10. A large accipiter, perhaps a Northern Goshawk, flew past the lighthouse on November 11. Only four species of shorebirds were seen this week: two Black-bellied Plovers on November 12, two Greater Yellowlegs on November 9, a Sanderling on November 12, and varying numbers of Dunlins (up to 100 on November 12). It would pay visiting birders to examine the Dunlin flocks along the south shore of the peninsula and on Gull Island for Purple Sandpipers. One of the elusive resident Barred Owls was sighted east of the group campground on November 9. A Northern Shrike was at the calf pasture on the same day. On most days this week, it has been possible to find 3-4 Yellow-rumped Warblers near the lighthouse. A Bay-breasted Warbler was found on the Owen Point trail on November 6. Chipping, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows are regular visitors to the feeder at 85 Bayshore Road. No Purple Finches have been reported at any of the feeders along Bayshore Road since November 8. 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 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, 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> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.