The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin Provincial Park for northern species during the past week. THIS IS THE FINAL WEEKLY REPORT FOR THIS YEAR.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES OR SECTION BELOW. Ice: The ice went out of the last large lakes (including Opeongo) on Sunday (April 22). Roads: The Arowhon Road is expected to be open to the public again this week. Moose: A few are becoming regular along the highway, especially in early morning and evening. Spruce Grouse: Displaying males and females (some calling) were observed at Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road (near gate and at north end) this week. American Three-toed Woodpecker: None were reported this week. It is probable that this woodpecker is returning northward now. In previous irruptions, some have lingered here into mid-May, or later. Black-backed Woodpecker: A female near Post 9 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and one on a utility pole at Cache Lake, were observed on April 21. One was at km 8 on April 22. Another was near the East Gate warehouse on April 24. Gray Jay: Birds were seen at Spruce Bog and along Opeongo Road this week. Boreal Chickadee: Four or five were observed in the black spruce area along the north end of Opeongo Road on April 21. Purple Finch: Widespread, often singing. Red Crossbill: About 15 were noted by one birder along the highway on April 24, as numbers dramatically decline. White-winged Crossbill: Only a few birds, some still singing, were observed along the highway this week. A birder on April 24 reported only 4. Pine Siskin: Still common, with many singing and displaying. A few still on the road, but most salt has been washed away now. Evening Grosbeak: A few were seen at the West Gate feeder, Mew Lake, and the Visitor Centre feeder. As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby. Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park. Thanks. Good birding. Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist) 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 2007 Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in this report. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting on April 28. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there.
