GREAT GRAY OWL HOARY REDPOLL Extensive bare ground is developing on exposed slopes and open areas but the snow is still deep and widespread in shaded places, and open water is limited mainly to rivers and streams.
First of spring species reported this week included: Wood Duck (March 31): Madawaska River south of Old Airfield Common Merganser (March 31): Smoke Creek Turkey Vulture (March 27): Opeongo Road Merlin (March 30): north end of Opeongo Road Northern Saw-whet Owl (March 30; photo): Park Lake Northern Flicker (March 30; very early): heard at km 42.5 American Robin (March 30): Smoke Lake hangar Snow Bunting (March 30): West Boundary American Tree Sparrow (March 31): Spruce Bog Boardwalk Dark-eyed Junco (April 1): Spruce Bog Boardwalk Common Grackle (March 29): Visitor Centre feeders Great Gray Owl reports along Highway 60 this week were: -March 28, one at km 11 -March 29, one at Park Lake (near West Boundary) -March 30, one at km 13.5 -March 31, one at km 17 -April 4, one at km 51 -April 4, one at Smoke Lake (Fisherman's Point) BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: Male and female on utility pole at km 53 on March 30. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: They are still being seen regularly around the suet feeder near the trail register book on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. At least one of them is taking seed from the hand. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Perhaps the last one this spring at the Visitor Centre feeders was seen on March 29. However, there were two at km 7 on Highway 60 today. The average departure date (1986-2010) was March 27. Red Crossbill: Three were on the highway shoulder at km 53 on March 30. Common Redpoll: Up to about 60 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. Hoary Redpoll: One of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) was at the Visitor Centre feeders until at least March 31. Birders reporting records through eBird can now share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). We encourage you to do so. Good Birding! Ron Tozer Dwight, ON CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 22 cm. See: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-snow To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-winter 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/ _______________________________________________ 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/
