LAPLAND LONGSPUR NORTHERN SHRIKE EASTERN BLUEBIRD Hello Birders,
It was a busy week in the Park this week but there were few birders, which accounts for fewer reports. Nonetheless, there were some interesting sightings made this week. Good numbers of sparrows continue to be present at the Old Airfield. White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows were joined by American Tree and Fox Sparrows this week. This is an excellent site for watching sparrows, and at this time of year, who knows what might show up there. Lapland Longspurs continued at the Old Airfield, with two being there on the 11th and the 14th. On the 11th there were four Eastern Bluebirds at the Old Airfield, and two were still there on the 14th. The Park's first-of-season Northern Shrike was at the Airfield yesterday. Ring-billed Gulls, rare to non-existent in the Park in summer, numbered 106 at the Opeongo Access Point on the 14th. This seems to be an annual gathering spot for the species now and is worth checking for any other gulls of interest. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: There were no reports this week, likely due to less coverage. The north end of the Mizzy Lake trail and Opeongo Road are likely spots. Gray Jay: Birds were reported on Opeongo Road and the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail this week. Boreal Chickadee: There were no reports this week. Your best best is at the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail, where several birds were last week. Black-backed Woodpecker: This bird went unreported as well. Your best bet is the north end of the Mizzy Lake trail or the Logging Museum, where birds were last week. 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! Lev Frid Group Education Technician Algonquin Provincial Park 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 and restaurant at km 43 are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
