My book, Birds of Algonquin Park, has now been published by The Friends of Algonquin Park. Please see the following for details:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2012-04-21_birds_of _algonquin_park_released.php Twenty centimetres of wet snow on the ground yesterday morning reminded us that a heat wave in March does not necessarily translate into continued warmth in April. However, new arrivals continued to trickle in this week, including Osprey, Greater Yellowlegs, Blue-headed Vireo, and Chipping Sparrow. The Visitor Centre will be open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, starting April 28 (Saturday). This is my final Ontbirds post for the spring. Thanks very much to all who have contributed records. My reports will start again in late fall. BOREAL SPECIES Spruce Grouse Reports included a female near Wolf Howl Pond, and a male doing flutter flights along Opeongo Road north of the bridge. Black-backed Woodpecker No reports to me this week, but try along Highway 60 at km 8. Boreal Chickadee Try the black spruce area along the northern part of Opeongo Road. Gray Jay Best place to try is the black spruce area along Opeongo Road. FINCHES Purple Finch Widespread and regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. Pine Siskin About 20 coming to the Visitor Centre feeder daily. Evening Grosbeak Ten or more are still coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. We appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Good birding. 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. 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/
