Several groups of birders have searched for American Three-toed Woodpecker in Algonquin since ten were found by 63 observers on our December 30 CBC. Reports suggest that most of these birders have not been successful. However, a few people have found one. I hope the following may be helpful for those who still intend to visit Algonquin in search of this elusive species, and to see the numerous finches.
Recent successful locations for American Three-toed include the second boardwalk section (at the kettle bog) on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5), Opeongo Road (km 46.3) just north of the locked gate, and the last few hundred metres on the return portion of the Bat Lake Trail (km 30.8). The best strategy is to search all de-barked spruce carefully. A calm day is best, since the tapping of the American Three-toed is considerably quieter than that of the Black-backed Woodpecker. Squeaking and Barred Owl imitations seem to work well in discovering Black-backed Woodpeckers, but American Three-toeds appear to be less responsive to those sounds, unfortunately. The Three-toed frequently feeds lower, often on downed trees, compared with the Black-backed Woodpecker. A pair of White-winged Crossbills at a nest, with the female observed to remove a fecal sac, was reported on January 5 at the kettle bog section of Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Compared with previous data concerning breeding during the winter by this species in Algonquin, this date is early for young in the nest. However, the huge cone crop and very mild temperatures to date probably encouraged earlier onset of nesting activity. Widespread singing males suggest White-winged Crossbills are likely breeding across the Park. Northern Saw-whet Owls have been heard calling twice during the day and twice during the night at four different park locations, and once at night in Dwight, since December 30. These are probably over-wintering birds that may be inspired to vocalize by the recent mild temperatures and high small mammal populations. The earliest calling by this owl in Algonquin Park previously known was in mid-February. Birders should listen for these owls on calm, milder evenings, near conifer-dominated areas bordering rivers (e.g., Oxtongue, Madawaska). Good luck. As always, please let us know the birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. Thanks. Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario 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. From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. > From: "Ken Clarke" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:27:21 +0000 > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [Ontbirds]American Three-toed Woodpeckers in Algonquin Park > > Ron > > Could you give me a few details as to where the Three-toed Woodpeckers have > been seen in Algonquin Park? A group of us from Stratford plan to spend this > weekend looking for them. > > > Must fly > > Ken Clarke > Stratford, ON > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > > > >> From: Ron Tozer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: ontbirds <[email protected]> >> Subject: [Ontbirds]American Three-toed Woodpeckers in Algonquin Park >> Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 18:21:09 -0500 >> >> After 63 participants on the Algonquin CBC of December 30 observed >> a total of 10 American Three-toed Woodpeckers, a number of birders >> have come to the Park in search of this (and other) species. In order to >> assist birders in finding this woodpecker here, please email me privately >> with the date and specific location of any sightings in Algonquin Park >> since December 31. Thanks. >> >> Norm Murr reported a female American Three-toed Woodpecker at the >> west end of Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot on January 3. I am not >> aware of any subsequent sightings at that location, however. >> >> >> Ron Tozer >> Dwight, Ontario >> >> 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. From Ottawa, take >> Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre >> markers >> on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km >> 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout >> the winter. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., >> and recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found >> there. >> >> _______________________________________________ >> ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial >> birding organization. >> Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] >> For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit >> http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm >> ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm > > _________________________________________________________________ > Share your opinion and enter to win! Please complete this survey to enter > into a draw for a grand prize of $500 or one of twenty $50 cash prizes. > http://www.youthographyinsiders.com/R.aspx?a=116 > >
