Hey folks, In the spirit of the migration and Ron Tozer's reports from the Park, here's what's been going on in Algonquin Park birdwise -
On May 1st there was an influx of migrants, including many Myrtle Warblers, and yesterday there were many warblers of several species in the Park. New arrivals included Black-throated Blue and Green, Palm, Nashville and Black-and-White Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Least Flycatcher and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The best places for observing spring warblers here are the Old Airfield near the Mew Lake Campground and the North part of the Mizzy Lake trail, which can be accessed by taking Arowhon Road up to a crossroads with the old railway bed and taking a right to a small parking area with a gate, and walking past the gate along the trail. This is also good for boreal species. All the Boreal birds have been showing well this week: Spruce Grouse: There was a male at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake trail displaying almost every day, and was joined by a female on the 2nd. Another male was seen at the crossroads of Arowhon Road and the old railway bed today, and yet another male was displaying past the gate on Opeongo Rd. Boreal Chickadee: Up to four birds were seen along the North section of the Mizzy trail (including today) as well as in south portion the Old Airfield. Black-backed Woodpecker: A bird was seen yesterday at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy trail and a male was at Km 44 on the 1st. Gray Jay: Birds are now becoming difficult to see as they're attending fledged young but try Opeongo Road, where there were three birds on the 1st. Northern Saw-whet Owl: Birds were singing every day this week at several sites along the Highway, mostly West of Km 20 - Whiskey Rapids Trail, Western Uplands Trail entrance (km 3), two birds at West Gate, Arowhon Rd. etc.. but also at Brewer Lake east of Opeongo Road. Finches: Evening Grosbeaks are hanging around the Visitor Centre (especially in the mornings) and are heard flying over, but we have stopped feeding and they will soon disperse. Purple Finches are singing from territories now and Pine Siskins are widespread. A Mourning Dove at the feeders was a nice surprise on the 3rd. This is an uncommon species in the Park. In terms of mammals - Moose are being seen regularly along HW 60 and a few Black Bears were seen as well. Directions: (Courtesy Ron Tozer) 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. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings and information. There is currently no restaurant but snack food and microwaveable food is available, as well as many places to sit and have your own lunch. The Visitor Centre is now open daily from 9-5. For more info, visit the Friends of Algonquin website at www.algonquinpark.on.ca. Good Birding! Lev Frid Algonquin Park _______________________________________________ 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/
