Hello Birders,
It has been an exciting week here in Algonquin. While there haven’t been any rarities found yet, the resident birds are showing exceptionally well and many of our migrant birds are back. Noteworthy migrants include Cape May, Black-and-White, Bay-breasted and Yellow Warblers, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Eastern Kingbird, Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers and American Pipit. Warblers are widespread in the Park, but the best places continue to be the Old Airfield and the North part of the Mizzy Lake Trail. The Boreal specialty birds of the Park were very cooperative this week. Spruce Grouse: A male was displaying at the Arowhon crossroads on the 10th, and birds were observed at Wolf Howl Pond on the railway bed., including today. This bird is becoming increasingly difficult as the display period is almost done. Boreal Chickadee: These are still very vocal and are heard easily along the north part of the Mizzy Lake trail, and also at the south end of the airfield – both locales had several sightings this week, including yesterday. They respond quite well to pishing. Black-backed Woodpecker: A bird was seen on the 10th at the Arowhon crossroads, and this morning an astounding FOUR birds were on one tree at West Rose Lake on the Mizzy Trail. Single birds were seen there throughout the week. Gray Jay: These now have fledged young and are difficult to see. Nonetheless, a pair and two youngsters were seen on the 11th at the locked gate at the old railway bed., and another pair were there today. Two birds were observed mobbing a Great Gray Owl on the 9th west of the Visitor Centre. Also try Opeongo Road at the gate near Cameron Lake Road. Northern Saw-whet Owl: These are still calling vigorously all over the highway, but mostly west of KM 20. Great Gray Owl: A male was singing on the early morning of the 8th just west of the Visitor Centre deep in the extensive bog there. It was being mobbed by a pair of Gray Jays. Subsequent efforts to hear or see this bird have failed. Moose are really common now on warm mornings and evenings - six were seen within a few hours yesterday. Lots of good butterflies out 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/
