The finch species and numbers of individuals present here now are similar to those seen when winter birding officially began on December 1. Pine Grosbeaks have remained in the north where they are sustained by bumper mountain-ash berry crops, as predicted in Ron Pittaway's annual winter finch forecast. Most redpolls were expected to stay in the north because birch, alder and conifer seed crops are generally good across the boreal forest. So far they have, but a redpoll flight to southern Ontario may yet occur this winter if food availability lessens in the north.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: One was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 19, and a single bird was noted along Opeongo Road on January 19 and 20. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to six are now coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: One or two on January 18 and two on January 19 were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. American Goldfinch: About three are regular at the Visitor Centre, and others were seen along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 49 were regular at the Visitor Centre feeders this week.. 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
