Unusual-here-in-midwinter sightings this week included: an adult male Sharp-shinned Hawk photographed near the East Gate (January 27), a Northern Shrike at the Visitor Centre (today), and seven Bohemian Waxwings briefly attracted to trees near the Visitor Centre feeders by the presence of other birds (January 27).
Especially for those who have contacted me about Super Mallard, this female completed another week in the limited open water at the outlet of Park Lake. Common Redpoll daily numbers at the Visitor Centre feeders since late December have been highly variable, from four to sixteen. This may suggest a change in individuals but definitely indicates a lack of feeder fidelity. In contrast, one Hoary Redpoll has been present every day since December 30, and a second bird has been with it every day since January 14. Interesting that the Hoary Redpolls stay put and the Common Redpolls do not. There are no other feeders for many kilometres around. An American Marten was at the Visitor Centre suet feeder on a couple of days this week, which may mean it will become more regular now. The Algonquin Park Webcam will be aimed at one of the Visitor Centre feeders all day tomorrow (Friday, January 30). To see some of the birds visiting, take a look at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Ruffed Grouse were reported there this week but not Spruce Grouse (although they are there!). Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 24 and 26. Gray Jay: Still being seen at the Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road (gate closed at Cameron Lake Road). Boreal Chickadee: Two were observed along Opeongo Road north of the gate and two were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on January 26. WINTER FINCHES: Red Crossbill: Two females were down on the highway at Park Lake (between the West Boundary and the West Gate) on January 23. This was the first Algonquin sighting since January 3. Common Redpoll: From eleven to sixteen were at the Visitor Centre feeders each day this week. Hoary Redpoll: Two continued at the Visitor Centre feeders all week, and a third joined them today. 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. 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 _______________________________________________ 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
