This week's most interesting birding news in Algonquin Park concerned winter finches, with Common Redpoll being recorded for the first time this fall. Finch sightings included:
-Purple Finch: a couple were seen, but most appear to have departed. -Red Crossbill: none reported this week. -White-winged Crossbill: observers are reporting flocks regularly, usually flying over, but overall numbers remain moderate. -Common Redpoll: three on Opeongo Road on October 24 were the first here this fall, and perhaps the vanguard of more to come. -Pine Siskin: small numbers continue to be reported, with many involving fly-overs. -Evening Grosbeak: up to 16 visited seed scattered on the ground at the Visitor Centre, and a few were noted at other sites as well. Spruce Grouse, Gray Jays and Boreal Chickadees continued to be observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Notably late records included Double-crested Cormorant (Opeongo Access Point), and Eastern Bluebird (five on Opeongo Road) on October 24. Please report your Algonquin Park sightings (including date, number and location) to me for our Algonquin Visitor Centre databank. Thanks. 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). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings and information. Exhibits and restaurant are open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, until October 26. The centre will be open on weekends during the winter, from 10 am to 4 pm. _______________________________________________ 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
