Warm temperatures and some rain have dramatically reduced the depth but there is still extensive snow cover in Algonquin. Only areas on exposed south-facing slopes are bare. The very limited open water is in creeks and rivers with significant current.
New migrants this week that were 7 to 10 days earlier than the average arrival date were: Canada Goose, Herring Gull, American Robin and Common Grackle. Turkey Vulture on March 13 was record-early and 19 days earlier than the average. Song Sparrow on March 15 was 14 days earlier than the average. A Ruffed Grouse heard drumming at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 12 was the earliest spring date ever for that behaviour here. The average is April 10 (31 years). A Brown Creeper singing at Spruce Bog on March 12 was a week earlier than the 33-year average date of the first song heard. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Male near the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 12. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male and a female were seen at the entrance to Spruce Bog Boardwalk and two females and a male were along Opeongo Road on March 14. Gray Jay: Noted along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: One was heard 250 m north of the gate on Opeongo Road on March 11. They should be vocalizing more now just prior to winter flock breakup. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: A few still being seen, but the mild conditions will result in them heading north soon. Ten were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 14. Purple Finch: A few observed, including a singing male on March 10 at the Visitor Centre. Red Crossbill: A few were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk from March 10 to 14, and some were seen on Highway 60 on March 12. White-winged Crossbill: Observed in flight and on Highway 60. Some along Opeongo Road on March 12. Common Redpoll: A few reported regularly. Pine Siskin: Widespread in small numbers. American Goldfinch: One or two at the Visitor Centre. Evening Grosbeak: At least 50 continue at the Visitor Centre feeders. There were 25 or more in Mew Lake Campground and some at the gate on Opeongo Road. MAMMALS Marten: Several are regular around the suet feeder near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and at the Opeongo Road gate where they feed on black sunflower seed and peanuts left by visitors. Wolves: A pack in the Sunday Creek valley opposite the Visitor Centre was heard howling during the day on March 12 and 14. The Visitor Centre will be open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, from March 10 to 18 for March Break. Arowhon Road is becoming very soft and muddy due to the recent warm temperatures and should not be used. 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/
