Our current knowledge concerning selected species in Algonquin Park is summarized below, especially for the possible benefit of Taverner Cup participants and other Big Day birders:
Spruce Grouse: best bets are Wolf Howl Pond to West Rose Lake along old railway; east side of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road. Barred Owl: heard at numerous locations in hardwood forest, especially in the west (West Gate to Lake of Two Rivers). Northern Saw-whet Owl: heard at many Highway 60 sites during Owl Surveys in April. Black-backed Woodpecker: no known nest sites or reliable viewing areas, unfortunately, but may be encountered at any coniferous sites. Not regular at km 8 now. Gray Jay: usually difficult to detect in late May. Best locations are Opeongo Road at the winter gate (junction with Cameron Lake logging road) and Wolf Howl Pond to West Rose Lake along old railway. Listen for vocalizations and watch for birds perched in top of black spruce, especially near dawn. Boreal Chickadee: often very difficult to detect in late May. Listen for vocalizations near dawn in bog areas, such as along Opeongo Road. Red Crossbill: no recent sightings along Highway 60. If any are detected, please let me know. White-winged Crossbill: a few being observed daily along Highway 60, but in much reduced numbers compared with the winter. Watch for striped young of the year; a few have been reported. Pine Siskin: a few observed regularly, usually calling in flight. Evening Grosbeak: a few being seen, including at the Visitor Centre feeders. Listen for birds calling in flight. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Birders are asked to report their Algonquin Park sightings to me ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), in order that we may add your observations to the Algonquin Visitor Centre database. Thanks. 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 Tozer Dwight, Ontario [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.
