A very rewarding early spring day in Algonquin Park was enjoyed on Saturday by 69 OFO members and friends. We started at the West Gate at 9 a.m., birded east to Opeongo Road, and still had five of the 39 cars when we finally stopped at 7 p.m. back at the West Boundary! About 50 bird species were observed. Noteworthy sightings included:
-Broad-winged Hawk: two over Opeongo Road (first of spring) -Rough-legged Hawk: one (light morph) over Visitor Centre -Spruce Grouse: 1 along Opeongo Road at gate; five south of Hwy. 60, opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk -Black-backed Woodpecker: 1 Opeongo Road at gate; none at km 8 despite two long attempts to find the female that has been regular there. -Gray Jay: 4 along Opeongo Road -Boreal Chickadee: several along Opeongo Road in black spruce section -Hermit Thrush: 1 near West Gate (first of spring) -American Robin: one with nest material (Canoe Lake), just one day later than the earliest nest-building ever recorded in Algonquin. -Savannah Sparrow: 1 on Airfield (first of spring) -Eastern Meadowlark: 1 on Airfield (first of spring), even though average arrival is April 7 -White-winged Crossbill: numerous along Hwy. 60 and Opeongo Road -Evening Grosbeak: 4 on Opeongo Road; 1 or more at Visitor Centre Other interesting observations included the first Painted Turtle (Costello Creek Marsh) and Garter Snake (Cache Lake) of this spring. Thanks to all the participants, and especially those who helped us find birds and show them to others. Hope to see you all again next year! 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 (required if you are going to use trails, parking lots and roads off Highway 60, or go to the Visitor Centre). The tabloid has a map for locating sites mentioned above. Ron Ron Tozer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ron Tozer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
