BOHEMAN WAXWING PINE GROSBEAK COMMON REDPOLL EVENING GROSBEAK Bohemian Waxwings were on the move this week, with small flocks briefly attracted to the birds feeding at the Visitor Centre: nine were seen on November 9, and groups of two, five and four on November 10.
Single dispersing female Northern Cardinals were observed along the McManus Lake Road (East Side of the Park) on November 6 and at the Visitor Centre on November 10. This Algonquin rarity occurs here irregularly, usually during October and November. There have been reports of 51 cardinals (26 males and 25 females) during 21 of the 55 years since the first in 1961. WINTER FINCHES: There were reports of eight species in Algonquin this week, but all except one were in low numbers. Pine Grosbeak: The first of the fall was photographed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed (accessible from Arowhon Road) on November 9. Purple Finch: A few were noted along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and at the Visitor Centre. Red Crossbill: Seven were observed on the Park's East Side at Lake Travers on November 6. White-winged Crossbill: A couple were heard flying over along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on November 7. Common Redpoll: Two were seen on the Park's East Side at Lake Travers on November 6, and one flew over the Visitor Centre on November 8. Pine Siskin: Becoming widespread, with a few flocks of 20 to 30 birds this week. American Goldfinch: A few were seen at the Visitor Centre on most days this week. Evening Grosbeak: There were 16 on November 3 and 10 on November 10 at the Visitor Centre. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Opeongo Road in early morning for birds getting grit along the edge, and check the Wolf Howl Pond area of Mizzy Lake Trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: On November 8, two males were seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Gray Jay: Seen daily along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and Opeongo Road. Listen for their distinctive calls. 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 Park's "East Side" is accessible via Barron Canyon Road from the Pembroke area. The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) are available at the East Gate, West Gate and Visitor Centre. _______________________________________________ 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
