The following summary outlines observations made during the last week for birds often sought by visiting birders here.
FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Up to 35 at the Visitor Centre feeders, with a large number of adult males. Common Redpoll: Up to five at the Visitor Centre feeder, irregularly. No other finch species were reported. The continued lack of other finches here is due to an almost total absence of tree seed crops this winter. RESIDENT BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: The only report involved one about 30 feet off the left side of the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, halfway between the parking lot and the long boardwalk across the open bog (January 4). Black-backed Woodpecker: The black spruce area along Opeongo Road, north of the winter gate, may still be the best place to search. Gray Jay: Regular on Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and in Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: Two were in the spruce forest just before the long boardwalk, and two more at the parking lot, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (January 4). These birds were calling, which helps in finding them. 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. 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
