As expected in this non-seed crop year, the forest in Algonquin Park seems to be getting ever quieter. Many finches, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches appear to have moved out. Also in response to the poor to non-existent natural food situation, feeders in Algonquin and nearby Muskoka have been reporting good numbers of these birds. However, at least the finches often appear to be moving through, with frequent changes in numbers and species at feeders.
The following summary outlines reports received during the last week for birds often sought by visiting birders here. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: regular at Visitor Centre feeder. Small numbers away from feeders. Purple Finch: two flying over (November 13). Most are gone. Red Crossbill: one undocumented report. White-winged Crossbill: no reports. Common Redpoll: widespread in small numbers; regular at the Visitor Centre and West Gate feeders. Often seen feeding in weed patches. Pine Siskin: two at Visitor Centre feeder (November 13). American Goldfinch: one at Visitor Centre feeder, irregularly. Evening Grosbeak: up to 20 at the Visitor Centre feeder; occasional flyovers elsewhere. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road, including displaying males apparently responding to spring-like day length. Black-backed Woodpecker: no reports. Gray Jay: reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, Visitor Centre, and Wolf Howl Pond. Boreal Chickadee: reported at Spruce Bob Boardwalk. Try Opeongo Road as well. OTHER BIRDS OF NOTE: Golden Eagle: single migrating adults were observed on November 11 and 16. Bohemian Waxwing: a few reported; most may have already passed through. BIRDERS: 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 here. Thanks. BIRDERS FROM THE BRANTFORD AREA: PLEASE SEND ME THE DATE, LOCATION AND NUMBERS FOR YOUR WOODPECKER, REDPOLL, AND CROSSBILL SIGHTINGS FROM LAST WEEK IN ALGONQUIN. Good birding. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) 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 along 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, including the Algonquin Information Guide showing locations discussed here. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open on weekends (10 to 4) through the winter. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information via the service entrance (right end of the building as you face it from the parking lot). _______________________________________________ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
