Migrants (Northern Saw-whet Owl, American Crow and European Starling) observed this week gave us hope that winter may eventually subside.
The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm during March Break (March 8 to 16, inclusive). Information about Algonquin Park birding workshops is presented below, with permission of the Ontbirds coordinator. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 9th. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was drumming at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 9th and two were heard drumming in black spruce along Opeongo Road on the 10th. Gray Jay: Being seen along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail. Boreal Chickadee: Three were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 9th, and three were noted along Opeongo Road at the open gate on the 10th. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 30 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Red Crossbill: A few were reported at various locations this week, including 20 along the highway at km 30 on the 10th. White-winged Crossbill: Nine were along Opeongo Road on the 8th and 9th; 12 were over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 8th; and three were near Killarney Lodge on Lake of Two Rivers on the 11th. Pine Siskin: Three were along Opeongo Road on the 8th, and two were reported along the highway near Killarney Lodge on the 11th. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre feeders, and small groups were frequently seen along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: About 40 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). The Friends of Algonquin Park are offering birding workshops as part of their Experience Algonquin Workshop Series: The "Demystifying Algonquin Park Bird Song Workshop² will be held on May 31/June 1, 2014. Through indoor and field excursions, discover the techniques necessary to identify birds and their songs, comparing similar songsters, and learn how to use today¹s advanced technology to assist in making an identification. Pre-registration is required. For more information see: http://tinyurl.com/apbirdsong The "Identifying Confusing Fall Warblers Workshop² will take place on August 23/24, 2014. Algonquin Park¹s many warbler species often appear very similar and can overwhelm birders when found in large multi-species flocks. Participate in an indoor session to learn techniques to separate confusing fall warblers and then spend the remainder of the workshop using your newly acquired skills in Algonquin Park's best birding areas to identify these fall migrants. Pre-registration is required. For more information see: http://tinyurl.com/apfallwarblers 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
