GREAT GRAY OWL HOARY REDPOLL A Wild Turkey at km 16.7 on February 26 was typical of occasional sightings along Highway 60 this winter. Turkeys did not occur naturally in the Park, but introduced birds from surrounding areas were first observed in Algonquin during 2002 and the first records of winter occurrence here were in 2008. Unlike conditions in most of southern Ontario, turkeys are able to winter here with no access to feeders or crop fields, and in deep snow.
Locations where Great Gray Owls were reported this week included: -February 21: one at km 38 on south side -February 23 or 24: one reported at km 37 -February 25: one on south side of Highway 60 at Opeongo Road turn (km 46.3) at 11 am -February 25: perhaps same owl as above at entrance to Beaver Pond Trail (km 45.2) at 3 pm -February 26: one on south side of Highway 60 at Opeongo Road turn (km 46.3) -February 26: one along Costello Creek on west side of Opeongo Road north of Costello Picnic Area BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A male and female were near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 23, and one of these grouse was still in that area on February 25 and 26. Black-backed Woodpecker: Sightings increased this week and these woodpeckers are calling and drumming more now. Single birds were reported near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 25, and along Opeongo Road north of the bridge on February 24 and 25. One was at the Access Point at the north end of Opeongo Road on February 25. Another was near the bench on the east side of the Sunday Creek Bog on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 25. Two were noted along Opeongo Road at the north end before the sharp curve on February 26. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Nine nests under construction had been located by today in Dan Strickland's long-term research project on this species. Boreal Chickadee: One or two continue to be seen regularly around the suet feeder near the trail register book on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. This chickadee was heard regularly along the northern section of Opeongo Road as well. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: A few continue to be regular on the highway. Some are around the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days, including adult males. Numbers are declining with the warming temperatures, and most will likely head back north during the first half of March. Red Crossbill: One was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 21. A small flock (likely the smaller-billed Type 3) was heard calling in flight over Opeongo Road on February 25. White-winged Crossbill: The adult male that first appeared in early January is still coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. A male and female were down on the road in the northern section of Opeongo Road on February 25. Common Redpoll: About 30-40 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. Hoary Redpoll: Two or three of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) were reported at the Visitor Centre feeders irregularly this week. Only a female has been seen consistently. MOOSE CARCASS IN SUNDAY CREEK BOG An occasional wolf and numerous Common Ravens continue to feed on the moose carcass in the Sunday Creek Bog opposite the Visitor Centre viewing deck. Paste the following into your browser for details: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2013/2013-02-14_feeding_on_ misfortunes.php CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 43 cm. See: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-snow To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-winter BIRDS OF ALGONQUIN PARK The latest updates of my book are available at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap 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! Please let us know what you see. 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/
