The following is an overview of the birding situation in Algonquin Provincial Park during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES ACCOUNT BELOW. Spruce Grouse: Reports from Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway 60) were: one in the vicinity of the trail register box on February 25; and a male at post 9 on February 26. The best time for locating Spruce Grouse here will soon begin, from April to mid-May, when displaying males and calling females are more conspicuous. However, flutter flights by males have been observed as early as early March in Algonquin Park. Other areas to search include: 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: One was reported near Post 1 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 24, and two were observed in the area behind the washroom at the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 25. Another was seen in Hermit Creek Bog, far to the west of Opeongo Road. The latter site is inaccessible, but I include it here to reinforce the fact that these woodpeckers are still being seen regularly in Algonquin. Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed near km 2 on the Leaf Lake Ski Trail. Birders must use cross-country skis to access this groomed trail. Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8 on Highway 60 are good areas to search. Check all conifer sites 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 Boardwalk parking lot is the best place right now for this species. Boreal Chickadee: Calling birds were encountered in black spruce habitat in the vicinity of Opeongo Road this week. Birders should also try Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and the bog south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Red Crossbill: Described as widespread in small numbers this week. White-winged Crossbill: Abundant and vocal. Seen frequently at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and seeking recently applied sand and salt on Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Over 75 still coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeder this week, and often reported from nearby Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot as well. Purple Finch, Pine Siskin (abundant) and American Goldfinch were reported again this week. Fisher: The big male returned to the Visitor Centre suet feeder again at about 4:30 p.m. on February 28. It appears to be making periodic visits, several days apart. The chances of seeing it are slim, but it could happen! 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 will be open daily from March 10 to 18 (inclusive). 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.
