A dump of 20+ centimetres of snow on Wednesday has made the Park a winter wonderland. Small lakes and ponds are freezing over but large lakes are mainly open.
Canada Goose: the runt young bird, too weak to fly, was still at Opeongo Access Point on December 1. This is the second latest record for Algonquin. Bald Eagle: adult flying over Smoke Creek on December 1. Golden Eagle: immature photographed over West Smith Lake on November 28. Ring-billed Gull: 8 adults were last at Opeongo Access Point on November 27. Very late for Algonquin. Northern Shrike: 1 at Wolf Howl Pond on November 26 and another along Opeongo Road on November 27. BOHEMIAN WAXWING: one at the Visitor Centre on November 26 was the first of the fall. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: male along Arowhon Road and two males along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road on November 26. Black-backed Woodpecker: male along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road on November 26. Gray Jay: 5 along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road; 2 along Opeongo Road and 1 at the East Gate on November 26. Gray Jays were at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on the Logging Museum Trail on November 27. Boreal Chickadee: 3 in a flock of several Black-capped Chickadees near the chain gate along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road on November 26. One along the Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 27. Finches: White-winged Crossbill: small numbers continue to be observed flying over. Red Crossbill: 12 along Hwy 60, at km 41 (Ringneck Pond) on November 26. Several were photographed feeding on dead wood at this site. Crossbills are attracted to decaying wood that may be a source of ash and calcium. They seek minerals from various sources that probably assist in the digestion of conifer seeds. Common Redpoll: A few continue to be observed, including one flock of about 40. Pine Siskin: 2 along Highway 60 on November 26 and one at the Logging Museum on November 30. Evening Grosbeak: About 2 dozen are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders in the mornings. There were 8 getting grit on Highway 60 at Brewer Lake on December 1. Mammals: 6 Otters in the pond of the Logging Museum Trail on November 27 and 2 still there on November 30. A Pine Marten was at the Visitor Centre feeder on November 26. Moose: still seeing bulls with large antlers along Highway 60. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
