The past week of extremely warm temperatures resulted in the largest number of very early arrivals during March in the 60 years of detailed record-keeping in Algonquin Park.
Observations on record-early dates occurred for: Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Sandhill Crane, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Phoebe, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow and Eastern Meadowlark. Earliest-ever dates were also recorded this week for two butterflies (Green Comma and Eastern Pine Elfin; both photographed) and three herps (Spring Peeper, Snapping Turtle and Garter Snake). To put these events in perspective, the higher elevation of Algonquin Park's west side means that the timing of spring occurrences is typically later than most of southern Ontario and comparable to areas farther north. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Male and female seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 18. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was on the south side of the Old Airfield on March 20. A female responded to Barred Owl imitations at km 8 on Highway 60 on March 20. Today, 4 or 5 were observed along Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: Opeongo Road is the most reliable location now. Most females are incubating eggs. Boreal Chickadee: One was observed on Opeongo Road on March 18. There were two on March 20 and one on March 21 on the south side of the Old Airfield near the bike trail. Today, one was near the register box and another at Post 6 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. FINCHES:. Pine Grosbeak: No reports. They may all be gone north. Purple Finch: Widespread and in song. Red Crossbill: Heard at Old Airfield parking lot today. White-winged Crossbill: Very small groups noted at 3 or 4 locations today. Reduction in numbers probably due to cones releasing seeds in warm temperatures. Common Redpoll: One or two birds were reported at four locations today. Most have left. Pine Siskin: Abundant. Some can be heard at any location along the highway. Many are in pairs. An apparent male passing grit to a female was noted today. Breeding activity is likely underway. American Goldfinch: Numerous. Some singing. Evening Grosbeak: At least 30 continue at the Visitor Centre feeders. Others were reported at several locations along Highway 60 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 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 are usually 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/
