Two European Starlings showed up at the Visitor Centre feeder on March 15, a full eight days later than the average first date for this species in Algonquin. Deep snow cover and frequently cold temperatures appear likely to slow the arrival of additional migrants here for now. The only ice- free sites are where the water has been open most of the winter due to the current (e.g., the Oxtongue River).
On March 18, three of the four redpoll subspecies that occur in southern Ontario were observed at the West Gate feeder: about 50 Southern Common Redpolls (flammea), one Greater Common Redpoll (rostrata), and an adult Southern Hoary Redpoll (exilipes). FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Only about 10 remain now at the Visitor Centre feeders. Others were at the West Gate feeder. Most have started to move back north. Common Redpoll: There were 50 to 75 at the West Gate feeder this week, and up to 20 at the Visitor Centre. Hoary Redpoll: There was at least one adult (exilipes) at the West Gate feeder, reported from March 15 to 18. BOREAL RESIDENTS: Spruce Grouse: One male was on Spruce Bog Boardwalk in the top of a tall young Black Spruce at the north end of the small clearing at the trail register on March 16. Black-backed Woodpecker: One female was on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, 15 m short of post 9, on March 15. A male was observed 50 m past the winter gate on Opeongo Road, on March 15, and a female north of the gate on March 15 and 18. Gray Jay: They were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre, and Opeongo Road. Dan Strickland has now located 18 active nests, with at least five females on eggs at this point. Boreal Chickadee: Four were conspicuously gleaning (apparently getting springtails) from the snow surface along Opeongo Road, beyond the gate, about 0.5 km north of the Costello Creek culverts, on March 14, and Boreals were there on March 15 and 16, also. Two Boreals were on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near Post 5, on March 14. Three of these chickadees were reported from Mew Lake Campground on March 15. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES: American Three-toed Woodpecker: A male was reported on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, opposite the register book, on March 14. Fisher: A large male has been irregularly visiting the Visitor Centre suet feeders this week, at unpredictable times. Red Squirrels dare to feed nearby during his visits. Marten: At least two have been coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, at a variety of times that defy prediction. Red Squirrels vanish when a marten is present, apparently recognizing the threat. The martens never come when the fisher is present. One or two martens continue to be seen at Mew Lake Campground, as well, near the washroom and/or the garbage facility. 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. Arowhon Road is officially closed to public travel until further notice, as log hauling is underway on it. Do not use this road. The Visitor Centre will be open daily from March 21 to 24, and then on weekends to April 20, 10 am to 5 pm. 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 has recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information and access to the viewing deck, 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
