The largest snowfall of the winter on the weekend and fairly comfortable temperatures this week made great conditions for exploring winter in Algonquin. Most visiting birders were rewarded with a variety of finches, but Spruce Grouse and Black-backed Woodpecker eluded those who reported their finds.
Noteworthy sighting: Bohemian Waxwing: Five were perched in trees at the Visitor Centre parking lot on January 26. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Gray Jay: Six reported along Opeongo Road and six at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 31. Boreal Chickadee: Look for them in flocks of Black-capped Chickadees. Two on Bat Lake Trail on January 29. One at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 28 and 31. Two reported near the gate on Opeongo Road on January 31 and today. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Three along the northern section of Opeongo Road on January 31. Purple Finch: At least four were at the Visitor Centre feeders today. Natural seed sources farther north or locally may be diminishing now as suggested by increased numbers of this species recently at nearby Muskoka feeders as well. Red Crossbill: Observations appear to be increasing. Several sightings of birds on the highway getting salt and grit this week. White-winged Crossbill: Reported regularly in flight and on the highway. Some larger flocks observed. Common Redpoll: Flocks continue on the highway, often mixed in with Pine Siskins. Pine Siskin: Watch for flocks on the highway. Flock of 60-70 on Opeongo Road on January 31. American Goldfinch: A few coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. Some noted regularly along the highway. Evening Grosbeak: About 60 are regularly at the Visitor Centre feeders, mainly in the morning. Flocks of 27 at Mew Lake Campground on January 28 and 50+ on Opeongo Road on January 31. 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/
