Over the weekend, there were more birders visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park than there have been for a few weeks. Not surprisingly, therefore, several interesting bird sightings were reported. Both Red-throated and Common Loons were present, with three of the former appearing on November 5. One of them was a very co-operative bird that swam close to shore for much of the day. Although most of them left after November 4, a few Double-crested Cormorants are still around, often in the vicinity of Salt Point. All three species of scoters have been present this week. Two Surf Scoters were near the lighthouse on November 4 and 8, and the flock of Black Scoters in Popham Bay continues to be found with little trouble. A female of the latter species was with the scaup in Presqu'ile Bay on November 4. A Merlin was at Owen Point on November 4 and 5, and another was at the calf pasture on November 8, where it was interacting with a Cooper's Hawk. Six species of shorebirds were found this week, mostly at Owen Point and the offshore islands. They included four Black-bellied Plovers on November 6 and 8, five Killdeer on November 8, Sanderling, Dunlin, and, on November 10, two Purple Sandpipers. Six Greater Yellowlegs were in the marsh on November 7. The only noteworthy gulls this week were single Little Gulls on November 8 and 9. It is not too early for the first Snowy Owls to show up, probably on Gull Island. A Northern Shrike was behind the Park store on November 5. A Winter Wren was near the bird sightings board on November 6, and two Ruby-crowned Kinglets were also seen on that day. At two separate locations, single Eastern Bluebirds were seen flying over on November 5. Small numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers were being seen in various places almost every day up until November 8. What appears to be the first November record of a Palm Warbler was a single bird at 186 Bayshore Road on November 5. A rather late Chipping Sparrow was there two days later. A Fox Sparrow was at the lighthouse on November 4. Snow Buntings can usually be found on Gull Island. An Eastern Meadowlark was at the calf pasture on November 5. The first Pine Grosbeak of the season flew over the "fingers" on November 5. Four Pine Siskins briefly visited the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road on November 6. 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.