Mild temperatures and some rain followed by additional snowfall occurred this week. Good conditions prevail for winter birding, skiing and walking the trails. Moose at several locations and a wolf at km 37 were seen along Highway 60 this week. A Red Fox was eating black sunflower seed at the Visitor Centre yesterday. There were two Pine Martens along Opeongo Road yesterday and one at Mew Lake Campground today.
A leucistic Black-capped Chickadee was photographed in a flock being fed by birders near the gate on Opeongo Road on the weekend. It has a large white area on the head, pink legs and feet, and some pink areas on the bill. See a photo by Kathy and Tony DeGroot at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/algonquin_park_birding_report.php A single Snow Bunting was at the Visitor Centre feeders most of the week. Observations in the continuous forest of Algonquin Park during winter are infrequent and typically of one or two birds. Despite the presence of Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch in some numbers this winter, these finches continue to largely ignore nyger seed at the Visitor Centre feeders. The few that have come to the feeders consume black sunflower seed. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Two were seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk today. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was reported again at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 22. Gray Jay: Eight reported along Opeongo Road and four at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 25. Boreal Chickadee: Three seen and heard near the trail register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and two along Opeongo Road on January 25. Not observed to be visiting the Spruce Bog suet holder. The supply of natural food this year may be contributing to less interest in suet, which is normal for this chickadee. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Three were along Opeongo Road on January 25 and one today. Watch for them on the highway after sanding/salting operations. Very low numbers this winter. Red Crossbill: Three on Opeongo Road on January 25. White-winged Crossbill: Small flock at start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 10+ along Opeongo Road on January 25 and 20+ along Opeongo Road today. Common Redpoll: On January 24, there were several large flocks along Highway 60 including one of 120 at Hemlock Bluff Trail. Hoary Redpoll: One was reported in a Highway 60 Common Redpoll flock on January 24. Pine Siskin: They continue to be seen and heard in flocks overhead. A flock of 60 was reported on January 25. American Goldfinch: About three coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. A few noted regularly along the highway. Evening Grosbeak: About 80 are regularly at the Visitor Centre feeders, mainly in the morning. About 12 were at Mew Lake Campground today. 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 Visitor Centre restaurant is not 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. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. 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. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ _______________________________________________ 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/
