GREAT GRAY OWL Great Gray Owls were observed in the Cache Lake area (km 22 to 23), near Ring-neck Pond (km 42 to 43), along the Opeongo Road north of the bridge, and near West Smith Lake (km 52.1) fairly regularly this week. Along Highway 60, they were often perched on the utility wires and frequently visible during the day as well as near dawn and dusk.
There were no reports of the Northern Hawk Owl in the Costello Creek Bog on the east side of Opeongo Road this week. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Search in coniferous areas. A male was on a dead spruce off the Visitor Centre deck on January 10. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: There were six along the north end of Opeongo Road in the black spruce on January 5.. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be regular on the highway. A few are under the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days. Red Crossbill: Best chance to see this species continues to be watching for small groups attracted to the highway for grit. White-winged Crossbill: A male is coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: Present in small numbers. A few are irregularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. MAMMALS: A few Moose are being seen every day along Highway 60. They may be moving around more than usual at this time of year due to less snow depth. Martens are being seen frequently in Mew Lake Campground and irregularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow cover has reached a maximum of about 36 cm. See:http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/algonquin-park-we ather.php#snow To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/winter-in-algonquin-p ark.php DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial 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 is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant 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/ Good Birding! Ron Tozer _______________________________________________ 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/
