RED-NECKED GREBE AMERICAN PIPIT A Red-necked Grebe on Lake of Two Rivers off the Airfield Marsh on the 16th was late. Two American Pipits along Opeongo Road on the 18th tied our latest fall date.
The Visitor Centre feeders hosted up to 10 Wild Turkeys, a female Ruffed Grouse (daily), and a few Purple Finches this week. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Reported at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road) and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, the Wolf Howl Pond section of Mizzy Lake Trail, and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Reported from the Wolf Howl Pond area. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed 75 metres in from the start of the Bat Lake Trail on the 13th, and a male was along Opeongo Road today. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers observed along Mizzy Lake Trail, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and at the Visitor Centre feeders. White-winged Crossbill: One was reported on Mizzy Lake Trail on the 13th. Pine Siskin: Four were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 16th. American Goldfinch: Small numbers reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the West Gate, and Opeongo Road. Evening Grosbeak: Occasional birds are at the Visitor Centre in early morning, but are not visiting the feeders. There were 12 near the West Gate on the 13th and eight there today. MAMMALS Otter: There were three on Lake of Two Rivers off the Airfield Marsh on the 16th and four at the Opeongo Access Point on the 18th. Beaver: Day-active individuals are being seen regularly as they construct food piles in ponds along Highway 60. Moose: One or two are noted daily along Highway 60, especially near dusk. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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 Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. Locations are also described at: www. algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. For more information see the 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
