The 29th annual Algonquin Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count was held on
Saturday, January 4, with good weather condtions. Sixty-one observers
recorded 33 species (average: 28), just one below our highest total species
(34 in 1979 and 1991). There were 8,419 individuals observed (average:
4,993).
New Species For Count (bringing the cumulative total to 56 species):
-Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1
Record High Counts of Individuals (with previous high in brackets):
-Rock Dove: 14 (12) (resident in the MTO sand dome near the East Gate)
-Black-backed Woodpecker: 23 (19)
-Blue Jay: 561 (466)
-Black-capped Chickadee: 2,108 (2,047)
-Golden-crowned Kinglet: 243 (226)
-American Goldfinch: 932 (784)
Highlights:
-Northern Saw-whet Owl: 1 (being mobbed by chickadees in Costello Creek bog)
-Three-toed Woopecker: 2 (1 at Bat Lake {not found today}, and 1 in Costello
Creek bog)
-American Crow: 2 (1 at Visitor Centre, and I at Rock Lake Campground)
-American Robin: 1 (along Madawaska River on north side of Two Rivers
Airfield, apparently surviving on Winterberry Holly)
-White-throated Sparrow: 1 (at Wildlife Station feeder since December 3)
Finches:
-Purple Finch: 959
-Red Crossbill: 12
-White-winged Crossbill: 2,060
-Pine Siskin: 47
-American Goldfinch: 932
-Evening Grosbeak: 96
There were no sightings of Pine Grosbeak or redpolls.
Count Week Species (to date):
-Bald Eagle
Directions:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400
and 11 to Huntsville, and then east on Highway 60. Get a tabloid at the gate
when you purchase your permit. The tabloid has a map for locating sites
mentioned above. Kilometre signs along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park go from
km 0 at the West Gate to km 56 at the East Gate.
Ron Tozer, Compiler
Dwight, Ont.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Ron " <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
