Status of frequently sought Algonquin Park birds, for those planning to visit this weekend:
Spruce Grouse: There appears to have been limited success in finding any this week, but Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road near the locked gate are still the best places to search. American Three-toed Woodpecker: There were at least two, and possibly three birds seen on Spruce Bog Boardwalk last weekend. Two were near the trail entrance, behind the washroom area, and one of them was on the same stump as a Black- backed Woodpecker. A Three-toed was seen 100 m west of the Leaf Lake parking lot last Saturday, but not found there on Sunday by some who looked for it. Black-backed Woodpecker: Many birders have succeeded in seeing this bird. Spruce Bog is a good place to look, including the side trails north of the trail past the end of the first short boardwalk section. Both three-toed woodpeckers are often first detected by their quiet tapping, so listen carefully. Watch for de- barked conifers. Gray Jay: The best locations are Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot and trail, and Opeongo Road near the gate. Boreal Chickadee: Really nothing new to report on these. Some success at Spruce Bog and on Opeongo Road, but they can be difficult to detect if they are not vocalizing. Red Crossbill: Flocks may be seen on the highway, especially after sanding and salting operations. Unfortunately, a number are being killed by vehicles. Widespread in conifer areas. White-winged Crossbill: Numerous, with males often singing from tops of spruce trees. Breeding is apparently underway, so flocks are less often noted than previously. Widespread in conifer areas. Evening Grosbeak: The flock at the Visitor Centre feeders fluctuates from 50 to 100. Morning is best for seeing the highest number. Others are being seen along the highway. Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch are regular, in small numbers. Fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. Note: both the Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are posted CLOSED TO PUBLIC TRAVEL this winter. On weekdays, log hauling trucks are frequent on the Rock Lake Road. 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.
