Good winter bird viewing opportunities continue in Algonquin, and some amelioration of temperatures is making birding much more pleasant.
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant will be open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during March Break (March 8 to 16, inclusive). This is a great time to come and see the big flock of Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders there, a rare experience in southern Ontario since the 1980s. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was seen at the entrance to Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 1st. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was at campsite #96 in Mew Lake Campground on February 26. Gray Jay: Being seen along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and at Leaf Lake Ski Trail entrance. Boreal Chickadee: Try the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area on Mizzy Lake Trail and the black spruce section along Opeongo Road (which is open and plowed to the access point on Lake Opeongo). WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers continue to be regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: A few reported along Highway 60 and Opeongo Road. White-winged Crossbill: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre feeders, and along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: About 35 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 exhibits and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm during winter, and daily during March Break (March 8 to 16). 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
