Below is an overview of some current birding options in Algonquin Park. Subsequent reports will be occasional until winter sets in.
OLD AIRFIELD Horned Larks, American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs were observed this week. Check the long grass areas of the airfield near Lake of Two Rivers for possible Le Conte's Sparrows this coming week as one or two are seen almost annually there during their brief fall migration period through the Park. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: There were sightings this week near Wolf Howl Pond; at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (e.g., at the register box); and along the Old Railway Bike Trail near Head Creek Marsh. Some males were displaying to disinterested females. Black-backed Woodpecker: Reported at several sites: along the railway bed west of Wolf Howl Pond; Cache Lake parking lot; and Visitor Centre parking lot. Gray Jay: Seeking food from people along the old railway at Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose Lake; at Spruce Bog Boardwalk; along Opeongo Road; and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Detected near Wolf Howl Pond; near the Old Airfield; and along Opeongo Road. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: A few are being observed regularly along Highway 60. White-winged Crossbill: Four were reported on Mizzy Lake Trail on September 24. Pine Siskin: Small numbers were noted, usually calling in flight. American Goldfinch: A few were reported regularly. Evening Grosbeak: One was along Track and Tower Trail on September 25, and there were two on Mizzy Lake Trail on September 28. 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 daily from 9 am to 5 pm. 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 Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
