New arrivals were limited to two Mourning Doves on the 15th, as abnormally cold temperatures, virtually no open water and lingering deep snow on the ground continue to discourage northward movement by migrants.
One to three Ruffed Grouse and three Wild Turkeys are being observed around the Visitor Centre on most days. An adult Bald Eagle, some Common Ravens and several Eastern Wolves (mostly at night and near dawn) made short work of the carcass of a road-killed deer placed in the Sunday Creek valley off the Visitor Centre during the last few days of March Break. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A male and female were seen near the edge of the Sunday Creek Bog south of the highway opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 15th. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 19th. Gray Jay: Continue to be seen along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail. Some females are incubating eggs now, and so there is a reduction in the number of individuals available to be seen. Boreal Chickadee: One was noted along Opeongo Road on the 15th. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 30 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Red Crossbill: Flyovers were noted at Beaver Pond Trail on the 15th, and two were seen at Brewer Lake on the 19th. White-winged Crossbill: Two were along the northern part of Opeongo Road on the 14th; four were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 16th; and one was at Brewer Lake on the 19th. Pine Siskin: Four were reported along the highway on the 15th. American Goldfinch: One or two are regular at the Visitor Centre feeders, and small groups are being seen along Highway 60 and Opeongo Road. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 43 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. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays 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
