Knee-deep snow and very limited open water continued this week. New arrivals reported were Canada Goose, American Robin, Eastern Meadowlark (one feeding on sunflower seeds below Visitor Centre feeder on the 2nd and 3rd), and Common Grackle.
Northern Saw-whet Owls were calling in the evening on the 30th at Centennial Ridges Trail road, Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Area, and Two Rivers Trail. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A male was on the left side of the trail at the end of the long boardwalk on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 31st, and perhaps the same bird was reported on this trail on the 1st. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 29th, and one was along the Visitor Centre driveway on the 30th. Gray Jay: Continue to be seen on Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail. Young have hatched in four of the 25 nests under surveillance by researchers now. Boreal Chickadee: One was noted along Opeongo Road on the 30th. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 15 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Small flocks (total of 60 birds) were along Highway 60 on the 30th. Red Crossbill: Two were along the highway shoulder at Smoke Lake on the 30th. White-winged Crossbill: Reported at the following locations this week: km 25 (15 birds, including displaying males), Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Pine Siskin: Two were seen along Opeongo Road on the 30th. American Goldfinch: Small numbers continue to be seen, at the Visitor Centre feeders. One hundred were counted along Highway 60 on the 30th. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 30 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week, especially in the morning. MAMMALS A pine marten was reported in Mew Lake Campground on the 29th, and a fisher came to the Visitor Centre feeders (for the first time this winter) early in the morning on the 1st (but has not been seen since). 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
