Three noteworthy species this week were: A first year male Eastern Bluebird at the Visitor Centre (km 43) on October 26, which tied the latest fall date ever for this species here.
A male Northern Cardinal first seen at the Visitor Centre on October 25 and still present today. Cardinals are very rare in Algonquin Park, occurring primarily as dispersing birds during the period from late October to late November. They typically pause briefly at feeders, and then wander onward in search of suitable breeding habitat. Most probably perish in this quest. Two Chipping Sparrows at the Two Rivers Picnic Area on October 29, for our second latest date for the species in fall in Algonquin. Ducks are being seen in larger numbers as migrants move through, such as 90 Blacks and Mallards on Smoke Lake (October 25); and 35 Ring-necked Ducks at Opeongo Access Point (October 28). Two Wild Turkeys along the highway just east of Found Lake (km 20) were seen on several days this week. The Old Airfield and Two Rivers Marsh produced seven Green-winged Teal and a Merlin on October 26; and a Rusty Blackbird on October 29. Small groups of Snow Buntings are regular along the highway margin this week. There were two Lapland Longspurs calling in flight over the Trailer Sanitation Site on October 29. Small numbers of American Goldfinch and Evening Grosbeak were at the Visitor Centre feeders. The only other winter finch reported was a single Purple Finch at Lake of Two Rivers on October 29. Boreal Species Info: Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Wolf Howl Pond area on Mizzy Lake Trail. Gray Jay: seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, near Wolf Howl Pond, and at the Visitor Centre suet feeders. Boreal Chickadee: three observed near the kettle bog on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on October 28. Black-backed Woodpecker: one at Bat Lake on October 24, and one at the Old Airfield on October 29. Try the Wolf Howl Pond area. A Pine Marten was at the Visitor Centre suet feeders today, and may continue to come on an unpredictable schedule. Good birding. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. 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 near 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, feeders, and information. The centre is open daily until November 1, from 10 am to 5 pm. _______________________________________________ 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/
