The following summary is an overview of the birding situation in Algonquin Provincial Park during the past week.
NEW COMMENTS SINCE LAST WEEK ARE PRESENTED IN THE FIRST LINE FOR EACH SPECIES BELOW. Once again, cold temperatures seemed to have limited the birding activity, but a few reports were received. Fisher: A large male came to eat suet at the Visitor Centre feeder for extended periods during the mornings of February 13 and 14. There may be a chance to see this infrequently observed mammal. Weekday visitors should contact staff via the service entrance about viewing opportunities. Spruce Grouse: No reports this week. Areas to search include: Spruce Bog Boardwalk (located at km 42.5 on the highway), black spruce area south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road (located at km 46.3) near the locked gate, and farther north in black spruce bog area on the right (east) side. American Three-toed Woodpecker: A male was observed near Post 1 at the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail on February 13. Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road are likely still the best areas to try. Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by this species as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them. Black-backed Woodpecker: This woodpecker was reported from Whiskey Rapids Trail (km 7.2 on the highway) and the Leaf Lake Ski Trail (located at km 53.9). Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8 on Highway 60 are other areas to search. Check all conifer areas where de-barked trees are in evidence. Imitations of Barred Owl calls, and pishing, may elicit calls or movements by this woodpecker, helping to locate them. Gray Jay: Spruce Bog parking lot and Opeongo Road at the locked gate are the best spots. Boreal Chickadee: One was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 13. Listen for vocalizations, and check carefully within dense conifers for this species when Black-capped Chickadees are encountered. Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road are likely the best areas to try. Red Crossbill: Still numerous. Often seen getting sand and salt on the highway. Widespread in conifer areas. White-winged Crossbill: No change. Still lots of them being seen and heard. Numerous, and widespread in conifer areas, with males often singing from tops of spruce trees. Flocks getting sand and salt on highway. Evening Grosbeak: Over 100 continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeder this week. Purple Finch, Pine Siskin (numerous) and American Goldfinch are widespread. Often at Visitor Centre feeders. Note: both the Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are posted CLOSED TO PUBLIC TRAVEL this winter, and should not be used by birders. On weekdays, log hauling trucks are frequent on the Rock Lake Road. As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. This information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park. Thanks. Good luck. 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 free Algonquin 2006 Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in this report. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on weekdays for access to view the feeders.
