During the last ten days in Algonquin Park, migrant grebes and diving ducks have been reported in small numbers on the larger lakes along Highway 60 and on the East Side, especially in early morning. These include Red-necked Grebe, Horned Grebe, Brant (flock of 300 on October 14, and flocks of 30, 75, and 150 on October 26), Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser.
New latest fall dates for Algonquin were established for Cooper's Hawk (October 24, Radiant Lake) and Red-shouldered Hawk (October 23, Radiant Lake). Both species are rarely observed here as migrants in fall, due to the scarcity of these hawks and of observers. Ruffed Grouse numbers are low, probably reflecting poor reproduction due to cold and wet spring conditions. Lake Travers, on the East Side, produced five shorebird species on October 23/24: Semipalmated Plover (new late fall date for Algonquin, October 23), Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Wilson's Snipe. Migrant shorebirds are scarce here due to lack of suitable feeding habitat, so most sightings are noteworthy. Birders seeking Algonquin's boreal specialties (Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, and Boreal Chickadee) have had recent success along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road), at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along Opeongo Road. Single Bohemian Waxwings were reported on October 26 (juvenile) and October 27 (adult) at the Visitor Centre, km 43 on Highway 60. The remnants of an abundant crop of Wild Raisin, and some Winterberry, may sustain these birds, perhaps the vanguard of a movement by this species into southern Ontario. American Robins are still common in the park due to the berry crop. The Old Airfield (access via Mew Lake Campground entrance at km 30 on Highway 60) had Northern Shrike, Horned Lark, American Pipit, Lapland Longspur and Snow Bunting on October 26. Finally, winter finches remain very scarce in Algonquin Park. Singles and small flocks of Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch are being detected, usually flying over and perhaps leaving (?). There have been only three reports of White-winged Crossbill here this month, involving just one or two birds in each case. However, a few small flocks of Evening Grosbeaks are starting to appear. This species was unreported in Algonquin from early August to mid October, but now seems to be returning (from where?). There have been no recent reports of other finches here. As always, please report your sightings to me if you do some birding in Algonquin Park. We would very much like to add your reports to our Algonquin Visitor Centre database. Birders are scarce here, so we really appreciate hearing from you. Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. When you buy your permit at the gate, get an information tabloid for directions to locations mentioned along Highway 60. The East Side of Algonquin Park is accessible via the Barron Canyon Road (Grand Lake-Lake Travers road) from the Pembroke area. See an Ontario road map for specific route. The Algonquin Visitor Centre (km 43 on Highway 60) is open daily (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) until October 31, and weekends from November 6 to December 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Visitor Centre staff can often provide the latest bird sightings information, and access to view bird feeders when the centre is closed to the public. Ron Tozer Naturalist, Algonquin Park (retired) [EMAIL PROTECTED]
