It appears that a late winter irruption of American Three-toed Woodpeckers, of yet to be determined magnitude, is occurring in Algonquin Park.
A female was observed near the top end of the straight stretch of Opeongo Road, in the black spruce-dominated section, on March 14. Now, I have received photos of a male American Three-toed Woodpecker taken on Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail on March 15. During some previous southward irruptions by this boreal woodpecker, birds were present in Algonquin until mid-May. 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. The centre is open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. This week the centre is open daily for spring break. When closed to the public, access to watch the birds is possible by entering at the service entrance and contacting the staff. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
