Mild temperatures and no snow on the ground prevailed this week, but migrants continue to move on in response to factors such as day length and food scarcity (including a very poor conifer seed crop). Larger lakes remain open, but there has been thin ice on small lakes and ponds.
A Common Redpoll at the Visitor Centre on November 15 was the first here this fall. The irregular presence and diminishing numbers of American Goldfinches and Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders this week, likely indicates they are moving through. A Dark-eyed Junco and a White-throated Sparrow were at the feeders occasionally. Nearly all the Snow Buntings along the Highway 60 Corridor have moved on to suitable field wintering range to the south. Many years it seems that they go when snow arrives to cover up weeds, but that is not the case now. A dozen Common Loons were off Opeongo Access Point on November 15, and there were still four there on November 17. At least one Great Blue Heron lingered at the Old Airfield Marsh on November 17. Flocks of Canada Geese foraging on the grass of Mew Lake Campground beach and on Park Lake between the West Gate and the boundary on November 17 were the second latest fall date on record here. The juvenile Brant foraging on lawns near the Oxtongue Lake Highway 60 bridge, west of Algonquin Park, was still present today. It has been in that area since at least November 4. Adult Bald Eagles were reported at Opeongo Access Point on November 15, and at Tea Lake on November 17. Boreal Species Info: Spruce Grouse: Try Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area of Mizzy Lake Trail (accessed via Arowhon Road), and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot, along Opeongo Road north of the gate (still open), and the Visitor Centre suet feeders. Boreal Chickadee: Two seen at Post 7 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 17. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports this week. Check Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Mammals: At least one pine marten continued to irregularly visit the Visitor Centre suet feeders, with no predictable schedule. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. 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 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 weekends only until December 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. _______________________________________________ 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/
