The moose carcass placed in the Sunday Creek valley off the Visitor Centre deck over five weeks ago was visited by an Eastern Wolf yesterday morning and evening, and a Bald Eagle landed near the carcass in the evening. Three wolves and a Bald Eagle have been feeding this morning. The carcass can be viewed at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php
First-of-spring sightings this week included a Snow Bunting at the Visitor Centre on March 14, a singing Brown Creeper on March 16 (30-year average is March 18) and a Rough-legged Hawk on March 17. The male American Three-toed Woodpecker seen well at the parking lot of the Trailer Sanitation Station at km 35.6 on March 12 has not been observed since despite several searches. The Visitor Centre and restaurant is open daily (9 am to 5 pm) during Spring Break (March 14 to 22). BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was reported on March 14 at Mew Lake Campground, where there is adjacent black spruce habitat. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 14. Gray Jay: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Trailer Sanitation Station, and Opeongo Road this week. Boreal Chickadee: Up to four continued to visit the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. WINTER FINCHES: Common Redpoll: Numbers were higher again this week at the Visitor Centre feeders, reaching 80 to 100 birds. Other locations included 20 on Opeongo Road and 25 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 17. Hoary Redpoll: Two or three continued at the Visitor Centre feeders daily this week. Pine Siskin: One visited the Visitor Centre feeders from March 12 onward. 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). In winter, 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
