A male Hooded Merganser was found on the side of Highway 60 near West Smith Lake in late morning on February 11, but had disappeared soon after when Visitor Centre staff arrived to rescue it. The wet pavement from melting snow was probably mistaken for open water by the bird.
An adult male Northern Goshawk was mobbed by about 20 Blue Jays when it hopped on the ground and then flew to a low branch near the Visitor Centre feeders on February 7. It was likely hunting the Ruffed Grouse or red squirrels that regularly frequent the area. Among many events at the third annual Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park this weekend will be guided bird walks at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, from 10 to 11.30 am and from 2.30 to 4 pm on Saturday, February 15. Details on all the festival activities are at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/winter_in_the_wild.php BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road (accessible by vehicle only to the locked gate). Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed near West Rose Lake on Mizzy Lake Trail on February 11. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: Single birds were observed near West Rose Lake on Mizzy Lake Trail on February 8 and 11, and along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 8. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 12 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, and a few were occasionally observed along Highway 60. Red Crossbill: Three were noted at Brewer Lake on February 8. White-winged Crossbill: Four were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and one was along Fen Lake Ski Trail, on February 8. American Goldfinch: Occasional at the Visitor Centre, and a few were seen along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: As many as 55 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week, especially in the morning. 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
