The status of migrants this week reflected the effect of the Algonquin Dome being 200 metres higher than the nearby surrounding area. Birds such as waterfowl, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle that have returned in large numbers to much of southern Ontario are just starting to become common in Algonquin. Extensive snow cover, all still-water being ice-covered and sub-freezing night-time temperatures here deter many early migrants from pushing onward onto the dome at this time of year.
New migrants reported were: Mallard (March 17), American Black Duck (18th), and Mourning Dove (20th). The presence of winter finches on the highway and its shoulders has been infrequent this winter compared to many years when this has occurred commonly. Thus, about 10 flocks of mainly Pine Siskins totalling over 500 individuals along the road between the Visitor Centre and the West Boundary on the 22nd were unusual. Perhaps they were birds on the move? That was the only day this week when so many flocks were reported on the road. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: On the 22nd along Spruce Bog Boardwalk, a male was displaying to two disinterested females and another female was seen a little farther along the trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports again this week. Gray Jays: They are regularly seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Four were observed along Opeongo Road on the 20th and one was heard with Black-caps at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 22nd. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: There were five to twelve reported at the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: Four were along Lookout Trail on the 20th and two were observed at the Visitor Centre on the 21st. Common Redpoll: One was at the Visitor Centre feeder on the 19th and seven were noted along Opeongo Road on the 20th. Pine Siskin: As many as 65 were seen daily at the Visitor Centre this week. The "green morph" bird first spotted on March 6th was still present on the 18th. A leucistic individual with a mostly white head was photographed there today. American Goldfinch: The only report involved a single bird at Eos Lake on the 23rd. Evening Grosbeak: Peak numbers at the Visitor Centre were about 40 birds, but 100 were reported there on the 21st. Up to 15 were seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk regularly. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). 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 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm, including Easter Weekend (March 25 to 28). On weekdays, there is access to the exhibits and limited services (including light snacks, coffee and other drinks) 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
