What a difference a year makes. On this date last year we had 38 cm of snow on the ground here. Not a trace of snow (yet!) today and a high temperature of 13 degrees C. But the end is near!
A single Bohemian Waxwing was observed along the Opeongo Road on November 15. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers continued to be seen, including at the Visitor Centre. Red Crossbill: A few were observed along the Barron Canyon Trail and at Lake Travers on the East Side. White-winged Crossbill: Four were reported at Mew Lake Campground on November 14. Common Redpoll: Some birders observed from 25 to 50 per day this week along Highway 60 and on the East Side. Pine Siskin: Seen regularly, including one report of over 100 in a day along Highway 60. American Goldfinch: A few were still present here this week, but some southern Ontario hawk watch reports indicate they are on the move. Evening Grosbeak: Up to nine were at the Visitor Centre on most days, but usually only in the morning. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Opeongo Road and the Wolf Howl Pond area of Mizzy Lake Trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on November 14, and a male was seen along the Barron Canyon Trail on the East Side, on November 17. 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: Two were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on November 14. 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
