The 21st annual OFO Algonquin Park trip today had spectacular sunny conditions throughout. About 45 people in 21 vehicles explored the Highway 60 Corridor from 9 am to 6:30 pm., observing 57 species of birds.
All the northern species we sought were found: Spruce Grouse: male and female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, north from trail register box. Black-backed Woodpecker: Male excavating nest cavity in third utility pole west of road into Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking lot at km 53.9. Gray Jay: single along Highway 60 between Lookout Trail and Eucalia Lake; pair near chain gate along old railway east of Arowhon Road; pair along old railway at West Rose Lake. Boreal Chickadee: At least three vocalizing birds allowing brief but good views along old railway near West Rose Lake. Other highlights included: American Bittern: first of the spring, at Cache Lake marsh. Osprey: one over Tea Lake Dam road. Merlin: pair at Harkness Fish Lab on Lake Opeongo Blue-headed Vireo: singing male across from Cache Lake Marsh. This was a new early date for Algonquin; previous earliest was April 20. Pine Warbler: two singing males near site 22 in Lake of Two Rivers Campground. (No Yellow-rumped Warblers were observed today.) We would like to thank everyone who came on today's trip. We walked a long way, but it was a fun day. Good birding. Hope to see you next year. Ron and Laura Tozer Dwight 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. _______________________________________________ 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/
