In recognition of World Shorebird Day on September 6th, nine members of the Peterborough Field Naturalists (PFN) met at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Led by Don McLeod and Colleen Lynch, the group started out south of Beach 2 and were fortunate to find some shorebirds: Semipalmated Plover (15), Sanderling (2) and Baird's Sandpiper (2) for a total of 19 birds. During a previous scouting trip, shorebird numbers had been higher on September 1st with a tally of 48. Other birds of note observed while the group was at the Beach included Merlin, Great Black-backed Gull and Caspian Tern. In behind the Beach the butterfly meadow offered Monarch, Viceroy, Cabbage White, Clouded Sulphur and Least Skipper. A hike to Owen Point provided a view of various birds on or near Gull Island with large numbers of Double-crested Cormorant, Gulls and Mute Swans. The Spotting Scope was handy in both locations. The Owen Point trail provided visual observations of 30+ Northern Leopard Frogs and one Spring Peeper. There was also a good view of the Common Green Darner dragonfly. After a nice picnic lunch in the shade, very hot weather conditions prompted a few to swim in Lake Ontario for a refreshing conclusion.
(Photographed September 5 & 6, 2023, at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada)