Noteworthy birds in Whitney (east of Algonquin Park on Highway 60) this week included: Common Goldeneyes (8) and Hooded Mergansers (2) on the Madawaska River on January 4; a Northern Mockingbird along the river near the highway on January 4 and 5; and Bohemian Waxwings (6) on January 8.
A revised update of my book, Birds of Algonquin Park, including new earliest and latest migration dates plus rarity records is now available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A female was observed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 2. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: Seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, including on the suet feeder near the trail register box. Black-backed Woodpecker: Just three were found by 84 observers on the CBC (January 4). WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 15 are regular at the Visitor Centre, and others were seen along Opeongo Road and along Highway 60. There were 321 on the CBC (January 4). Red Crossbill: One on the highway at Found Lake and two at Lake of Two Rivers on January 1.Two west of Beaver Pond Trail on January 4. Thirty-five were seen on the Christmas Count on January 4. White-winged Crossbill: A few along Highway 60, including 12 seen on the Christmas Count on January 4. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre and small flocks are along Highway 60. There were 201 on the CBC (January 4). Evening Grosbeak: Up to about 35 were regular at the Visitor Centre this week, and a few were noted elsewhere as well. 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 during winter. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays in winter 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 then, 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
