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Wormington, A. 1986. Bird Wormington, A., J.R Nisbet and R.G. Records Committee report for Finlayson. 1986. Some aspects of 1985. Ontario Birds 4:3-18. bird migration at Caribou Island Wormington, A. and RD. James. (Lake Superior), Ontario. 1984. Ontario Bird Records Ontario Birds 4:85-97. Committee, Checklist of the Birds of Ontario. Ontario Birds 2:13-23. A Birding Site Guide 1

"l to Prince Edward County ~ . by Terry Sprague

Location and Access the Norris Whitney Bridge into the Prince Edward County lies'just off county, or take the Marysville the north shore ofeastern lake exit and follow Highway 49 near Ontario between Brighton, the east end of the county. Northumberland County and Access is also possible from Napanee, Lennox and Addington Highway 33 at Adolphustown via County. Prior to the construction the Glenora Ferry if travelling of the Murray Canal in 1889, from Kingston. which severed the northwest comer of the county to connect the Habitat and Ornithological to Presqu'ile Bay, Significance Prince Edward County was a Much of Prince Edward County is peninsula. It has a total area of composed of shallow soils which 100,000 hectares or 1,000 square result in an extensive hectareage of kilometres. The population of untilled pasture fields, ranging Prince Edward County is about from barren flats to those either 22,000. The largest centre is the sparsely or densely populated with Town of Picton, with a population red cedar. These conditions of4,800. In the Town ofWellington provide excellent habitat for and Village of Bloomfield, there nesting populations of Upland are 1,000 and 750 inhabitants, Sandpipers, Grasshopper Sparrows, respectively. Savannah Sparrows, and Field There are fOUf main access Sparrows, as well as Clay-colored points to the county, three of . Sparrows in specific areas. which are from Highway 401. To Elsewhere there is a mixed the west, follow Highway 33 via the variety of habitat. from cultivated Wooler Road exit to Carrying fields, hardwood forests and Place. At Belleville, take Highway extensive marshlands to scrub 62 (formerly Highway 14) across cover consisting of field invasions

Terry Sprague, R.R. #1, Demorestville, Ontario KOK lWO

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1987 21

by hawthorn, apple, sumac, prickly establishments. Sandbanks Pro­ ash, dogwood, alder and low­ vincial Park offers the only growing varieties ofwillow. provincial park camping facilities Because ofits location in Lake in the county. Ontario, Prince Edward County is a natural "catch basin" for Consecon migratory birds during both spring Commencing at the northwest and fall migrations. Much comer, proceed south on Highway ornithological work has been done 33 to the Village ofConsecon. Take in the area, from small private County Road 29 for 6 km around studies on individual species or the Stinson. Block. The south and r families to more concerted efforts west roads are particularly t such as the 1930 faunal survey productive during the winter conducted by staff members of the months, as they not only follow the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto shoreline where (Snyder 1941). In more recent years, winter ducks may be found, but two publications, Sprague (1969) pass through a dense hardwood and the revised edition of the same forest with an intermixing of name (Sprague and Weir 1984) mature white cedar. Good birding have been made available to can be had right from the roadside, enlighten birders of the status of but by exploring the interior, each of the 318 species that has wintering populations ofYellow­ occurred in the county. romped Warblers, American Robins and White-throated Where to Bird Sparrows can often be found in the The description of some of the tangles. Great Horned Owls, choice birding spots in the area is numerous woodpeckers, including presented in the fonn of a tour, Pileated, and other typical winter commencing on Highway 33 in the birds also frequent this woodlot. northwest portion of the county An open silage pit nestled amongst and exiting the county via white cedars often harbour Dark­ Highway 62 at Belleville (Figure 1). eyed Juncos, American Tree !" The tour is given in a hypothetical Sparrows and Mourning Doves. sense only, as it would require Before crossing the fence, several days ofbirding to cover all however, one must seek permission of the areas described. One must from the owner, McRae Danford, also be conscious of the fact that whose farm house, barns and silos beyond the major centres of are conspicuously located on a Wellington, Picton and sideroad just south of the woods. Bloomfield, service stations may be The road past the Danford home few and far between. Motel eventually ends at the Lake accommodations are available in Ontario shoreline and the extreme several locations including Lake­ north end ofNorth Beach on-the-Mountain, West Lake, Provincial Park. This road is not Bloomfield, Wellington and ploughed in the winter, but if it is a Picton. In addition, there are mild winter, both dabbler and numerous private campgrounds diving ducks can often be found in and "Bed and Breakfast" adjacent North Bay. Scoters,

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 22 Oldsquaws, Common Goldeneyes, , the open water will be covered with Common Loons and Double­ migrant ducks. All three merganser creasted Cormorants can be found species can be depended on, as on the lake, depending on the well as Geese, both diving season. The latter species nests on and dabbling ducks, and Tundra Scotch Bonnet Island, which Swans. appears only as a small lighthouse This is also the extreme on the distant horizon. northwest end of Sandbanks Provincial Park, the largest fresh­ Wellington water sand dune bar system in the Returning to Consecon, continue world. The sand pit is 8 kIn in south on Highway 33 to the Town length and a walk down the beach ofWellington, tum right at the will yield shorebirds in season, L.c.B.O. building and stop at the especially Ruddy Tumstones. Bank wharf. Here, West Lake empties Swallows nest in the adjacent sand into Lake Ontario and during early dunes. winter much of the water near the Because of its length, it would be wharf remains open. This provides wise to arrange for a vehicle to be good viewing for ducks. It is even waiting in the parking lot at the far more spectacular in spring when end. Although there is an inlet

r...... ,..

". "...., 0'- P",~"",(:e . .... "C EJ.w~~d e()~l~ , .... Owcal&.

Figure I: Map of Prince Edward County. The described route is indicated with a bold line. Map courtesy ofCounty Magazine.

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL IIJX7 23

separating the sand spit from the Road 12 to the first sharp comer mainland at Wellington, the just beyond the last private channel is narrow and can easily campground on the right, and tum be crossed by either swimming or into the small parking lot. Follow using a canoe. the gravel path (actually an old Proceed east out ofWellington access road) at the base of the on Highway 33 to the Village of dune for a short walking distance Bloomfield. Just a hundred metres until it leads to an open area. This or so past the Bloomfield sign there section ofthe dunes was mined is a well marked sideroad to the more than a decade ago by the south leading to Wesley Acres Lake Ontario Cement Company Church Camp. This dead end road near Picton. The removal of sand passes through an area of marsh in left behind a flooded panne which West Lake where bitterns, rails, attracts numerous shorebird American Coots, Common Moor­ species during spring and fall hens and Great Blue Herons can migrations. Dowitchers, yellowlegs often be seen from the road. and Spotted Sandpipers are Dabbling ducks are common during common. When water levels are migration and the usual smaller sufficiently high Mallards and marsh birds can also be found. Blue-winged Teal may be seen. Returning to Bloomfield, turn Scan the distant dunes, as Bank right at the Becker's Store and Swallows nest in the area. . follow Highway 62-33 a short Follow County Road 12 through distance and tum right again at the the wooded area of the park to the sign pointing toward Sandbanks four-way stop. Thrn right and enter Provincial Park. Follow County the Main Gate of the West Lake Road 12 for 8 km and tum right at Sector. The abundance ofpines the Isaiah Tubbs Resort (one of makes this an excellent area in several overnight accommodations which to find chickadees and in the county). This road leads to kinglets. In fact, it was here that Sheba's Island (Tubbs Island on Prince Edward County's first some maps). The causeway leading nesting record ofa Ruby-crowned to the island passes over a Kinglet was obtained in 1976. The marshland similar to the sideroad parking lot is situated. adjacent to at Bloomfield and where the same an extensive panne area where species ofbirds may be found. ducks, shorebirds and other water­ birds may be observed in season. Sandbanks Provincial Park As the water recedes in late spring, .Returning to County Road 12, the moist area supports a nesting follow it to the West Lake Sector of population of Mallards, Blue­ Sandbanks Provincial Park. Do winged Teal, Common Snipe, . not turn on County Road 18 at the Savannah and Field Sparrows. second Sandbanks sign,as this Leaving the West Lake Sector, directs summer traffic to the tum right again at the four-way Administration Office and main stop and follow the dead end road campgrounds at Sandbank's East to West Point, a distance of 1.5 km. Lake Sector, an area which we will At the burned ruins of the former visit later. Instead, follow County Lakeshore Lodge one has a

VOLUME 5 NUMBER I 24 panoramic view of the 8 km available accommodation. Park sandspit running toward Welling­ naturalists are also on hand at the ton. In season, numerous species Information Centre from May of shorebirds may be found along until October to provide visitors the beach as well as large with an update on the birds in the aggregations of Ring-billed Gulls, park. The mixed habitat appeals to which also mill about in a wide variety ofbirds. Mourning neighbouring fields. Continuing Doves, Northern Cardinals, toward West Point the road Northern Orioles, Great Crested deteriorates rapidly. The low Flycatchers, House Wrens, Red­ bushes and trees which flank the eyed and Warbling Vireos can be road are excellent for warblers and depended on in the park. The other songbirds during migration. mouth of the Outlet River is very At West Point the road ends and favourable in the autumn, with from this vantage point diving yellowlegs, dowitchers, Sanderlings, ducks and Common Loons may be and Semipalmated Sandpipers the found during migration. A large most common shorebirds that luxury hotel and resort complex is appear. It is also a favourite loafing planned for the entire West Point area in the fall for gulls and terns. peninsula, so the area may be closed to traffic in future while Beaver Meadow Wildlife . construction takes place. At the Management Area moment, however, the plans have Leaving Sandbanks Provincial been put on hold until some legal Park, go west on County Road 18, problems have been worked out. past the County Road 12 junction Until construction takes place, the which we came out on earlier, and point is open to the public. turn right on County Road 11, just Returning to the four-way stop, past the Parkside Place Con­ turn right again and continue venience Store and gas bar. Follow along County Road n, which this road for about 8 km and watch follows the lakeshore, and look for for the Beaver Meadow Wildlife ducks, gulls and waterbirds along Management Area on the left. Take the way. Red-throated Loons the access road past the first sometimes occur along this stretch parking lot and park at the second of water. lot near the trail sign. The walking Approaching County Road 18, trail goes through a wooded turn right at the stop sign and swamp which in more recent years follow into Sandbanks Provincial has been flooded by beaver. The Park's East Lake Sector (formerly dead trees provide excellent Outlet Park). Ifone is expecting to habitat for Northern Flickers, Red­ camp here it is best to reserve headed Woodpeckers and Great ahead, as this is Ontario's second Crested Flycatchers. Tree Swallows, busiest park. There are, however, which nest in the hollow tree limbs, numerous private campgrounds may be seen coursing to and fro adjacent to the park and a visit to over the open areas. Wood Ducks the park's Information Centre, nest in the many nest boxes that located just inside the Main Gate, have been erected for this species, can offer current information on and other species of dabbling

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1987 25 ducks may be found here during Memorial Park and Lighthouse. migration. At the end of the trail Tum right and continue along scan the trees to the left for a County Road 9 toward Prince heronry used by Great Blue Edward Point for 3.6 km. At this Herons. This is but one of six point one can take an alternative active heronries in the county. route to Prince Edward Point by following Rose's Lane. Near the Point Petre two sycamore trees on the right Leaving Beaver Meadow, follow check the fields oflow cedars. County Road 11 to the stop sign Clay-colored Sparrows are generally and tum right on County Road 10, here in the summer. The road then which leads to Cherry Valley. crosses a creek and passes a Watch carefully for the intersection wooded area (check for waterbirds of 10 & 18, where 10 curves sharply and passerines) before turning left to the left and up a small grade. and heading back to County Road Follow County Road 10 for about 2 9. Along the way check the Ian to County Road 24. This road neglected pastures for hawks and leads to Point Petre. Entering the Grasshopper Sparrows, which are Point Petre Recreational Area fairly common. Yellow Rails are there is a woodlot and picnic area fairly regular but a very rare spring which overlooks Soup Harbour. visitor in the weedy areas along This area provides good viewing this road. Sharp-tailed Grouse are for waterfowl. Large concentra­ present but rarely seen. tions of hawks and Turkey Upon entering the Prince Vultures have been noted in the Edward Point National Wildlife fall at Point Petre, as well as Bald Area check the woods on either Eagles on occasion. This area still side for migrants. Prince Edward needs more coverage, but the Point is a major staging area in potent\al of the area is being spring and autumn for migrating recognized by such groups as the birds. The geographical features of Quinte Field Naturalists, whose the point cause birds to members are just now starting to concentrate in very large numbers. explore this peninsula. There is no other location on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario Prince Edward Point where the density and abundance To reach Prince Edward Point, of migrants are known to compare proceed back on County Road 24, with those at Prince Edward Point. tum right and drive east on the Heading toward Point Traverse, Royal Street sideroad. This the woods here often seethe with sideroad comes out on County spring migrants such as warblers, Road 9. At this point it might be a flycatchers and vireos. Red-headed good idea to check your fuel gauge Woodpeckers and Blue-gray and tum left and follow County Gnatcatchers can usually be found Road 9 north to Milford, as there along this stretch of road. The are no service stations south adjacent open fields host flocks of beyond Milford. From Milford, Bobolinks, Red-winged Blackbirds follow County Road 9 south to the and swallows. The waters of Prince stop sign at the Mariner's Edward Bay and Lake Ontario

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 26 provide rich feeding areas for migrating waterfowl. During autumn migrations, scaup number­ ing 100,000+ will be common in October and November. These will be augmented by large numbers of Horned Grebes, goldeneyes, Buffleheads, Oldsquaws, Black, Surf, and White-winged Scoters, Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, and loons. The shorelines are not suitable for large concentrations of shorebirds, and there is a shortage of suitable habitat for migrant waders due to habitat succession; however, all common species can usually be found. The dry, grassy fields provide feeding areas for Upland Sandpipers, Black-bellied Plovers, Whimbrels and Buff­ breasted Sandpipers. The road curves at Point Traverse and heads towards the Long Point Harbour and Prince Edward Point proper. The small, swampy woodland on either side of the harbour is productive during periods of migration. Upland Sandpiper, Prince Edward The prevailing WNW winds Point, June 1980 I photo by R.D. tend to sweep migrant raptors from McRae. the mainland areas of the county toward the east along the shoreline whet Owls have been banded since leading to Prince Edward Point. operations began in 1975. During Hawk flights can be spectacular, as this time, Screech and Long-eared the raptors change direction to Owls also move through. move west again to avoid being swept over Lake Ontario. Hawk Milford numbers during fall often number Leaving the Prince Edward Point a few thousand per day. National Wildlife Area, proceed Night banding has shown that back along County Road 9 to the Prince Edward Point is a major Village of Milford. At the T­ point ofconcentration for junction in Milford tum right and migrating owls, particularly the drive across the bridge and then Northern Saw-whet Owl. This take the first left. This is the Old point is unequalled in North Milford Road, which winds its way America for numbers of this through mixed habitat and comes species. Over 4,000 Northern Saw- out on County Road 8 leading into

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL IYX7 27

Picton. Just past the first set of which can be reached by taking woods at the township dump (5 anyone of the trails up the km) the road comes out into an escarpment, has been known to open area. This is one of the more . host a small number ofClay­ dependable areas in the county for colored Sparrows. nesting Upland Sandpipers. They can usually be found perching on Big Island Marsh the utility poles or seen in the open Follow County Road 8 into Picton fields on either side of the road. via Union Street and tum left on Check the various swampy wooded Bridge Street at the Tip of the Bay areas that this road passes through, Motel.Tum right on Highway 49 at as both migrants and resident the top of the hill and proceed birds may be found. north out of Picton. Just past the railroad tracks tum left on County Picton Road 6 and then right on County At County Road 8, tum left and Road 5 and follow it for about 10 head into Picton. Just on the km to the Village of Demorestville. outskirts of Picton lies the Tum right at the stop sign and Macaulay Mountain Conservation follow County Road 5 down the Area on the left. Of some interest is steep hill for 1.5 km. Tum left and Bird House City, which flanks the follow the causeway which leads to entrance to the conservation area. Big Island. The Big Island Marsh, The 90 or so detailed reproduc­ which lies on either side ofthe tions of historic buildings in the causeway, is spectacular in the county have been erected to early spring for migrating marsh resemble a small city complete birds, as the air is filled with the with streets and avenues There is songs ofCommon Snipe; Soras, even a McDonald's Restaurant, Virginia Rails, American Bitterns, although it must be noted that it is Marsh Wrens, and Swamp the only McDonald's Restaurant to Sparrows. Tundra Swans are be found in the county! While the regular in spring in the more open ambitious project has failed to areas of the marsh. meet its goal of attracting many In 1986 a co-operative project Purple Martins, the detailed among Ducks Unlimited, the miniatures are worth a stop. Prince Edward Region Conser­ At the base of Macaulay vation Authority and the Ontario Mountain is the start of several Ministry ofNatural Resources was kilometres of interconnecting initiated to create a number of walking trails which lead through interconnecting channels in an a mixed topography oflowlands, effort to improve the habitat for escarpment and plateau. The wide nesting waterfowl. The east marsh diversity of habitat will yield is now completed and the west side Pileated Woodpecker, Winter is due for completion in 1987. The Wren, Ovenbird, Eastern Wood­ channels provide attractive canoe Pewee, Northern Cardinal, Black­ routes that can give an observer a capped Chickadee and Red-eyed close up view ofsome ofthe Vireo. The upper plateau area, marsh's regular inhabitants.

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 28

Access to the marsh can be made roads and highways are generally right at the causeway. Historically, well marked for those who wish to this was an area where the King explore further. Rail could be found in the 1930s. More details on these and other The species has since been seen birding sites in the county, as well here on only three occasions. as information concerning available The Big Island Marsh is the accommodation may be obtained major marshland in the county, by contacting the author. extending from the eastern tip of Big Island to Huffs Island and Appeal for Submission of Records through the eastern portion of Visitors birding Prince Edward Ameliasburgh Township,a total County are urged to submit a list distance of 19 lan, broken only by of their sightings, complete with 2 kIn of open water at Muscote dates and locations, for the files of Bay. The Huffs Island Marsh is the author. He may be contacted at also very productive, with past the address provided or telephone records of Great Egret and Glossy (613) 476-5072. Ibis. To reach it, follow County Road 5 back to Demorestville and Literature Cited turn right on County Road 14 at Snyder, LL. 1941. Birds of Prince the top of the hill. Take this road Edward County, Ont. pp. 29-92. for 10 km and tum right on In A Faunal Investigation of Highway 62. Follow 62 for about 5 Prince Edward County, Ont. kIn and turn right on the Huffs University ofToronto Studies, Island Road. Biological Series 48. This road crosses a small section Sprague, R.T 1969. Birds of Prince of marsh where open conditions Edward County. Prince Edward exist. The most profitable birding, Region Conservation Authority. however, is to be had on a seldom Sprague, R.T and R.D. Weir.1984. travelled road that crosses the The Birds of Prince Edward major portion of the marsh from County. Second Edition. King­ the island and heads north, ston Field Naturalists. eventually connecting up with the County Road 28 and Highway 62 near Rossmore. It must be cautioned, however, that this road is often flooded during periods of high water and great care must be exercised if a decision is made to take it Returningto Highway 62, which leads into Belleville, the birding tour as described is completed. Good birding can also be had on the many sideroads which interconnect throughout the county. The sideroads, county

ONTARIO BIRDS APRIL 1987