Hello Ontbirders: I flushed a Le Conte's Sparrow once from the long grass at the Lake of Two Rivers end of the Old Airfield in Algonquin Park this morning, amid strong, cold northwest winds that prevented me from relocating the bird. The occurrence of this sparrow was within the expected fall migration period here (September 23 to October 8).
Since we began detailed searches in suitable long grass and sedge habitat in Algonquin during this time period in 1990, Le Conte's Sparrow has been observed here in all but one year. As with Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, extensive searches at the proper time in suitable habitat would likely produce many more sightings of this infrequently reported migrant in southern Ontario. Maple leaf crown colour in Algonquin Park is approaching 90 percent turned in the western part of Highway 60 (West Boundary to Smoke Lake), with some leaves actually blowing off near the West Gate today. However, there are also extensive areas with predominantly green leaves remaining. Overall, the colour is "subdued" this year, although as always there are many bright individual trees. The reduced brilliance is likely due to the total lack of frost to date in Algonquin Park. Persons wishing to visit Algonquin for leaf colour viewing should consider coming within the next week. If you do come birding in the Park, please report your sightings of even common species to me ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for our Visitor Centre database. Thanks. Directions: Algonquin Park is located on Hwy. 60, east of Huntsville, which can be reached from Toronto by taking Highways 400 and 11, north. The Old Airfield is located at Km 30.6 on Highway 60 (from Km 0 at the West Gate). Your park permit and a map of the park can be obtained at the gates. Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario 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.
