A Northern Goshawk carrying a Spruce Grouse was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 1st. The grouse could have been the banded male that is at least nine years old. Check any male grouse seen there for a greenish-blue band on the left leg.
Bohemian Waxwings are still being seen occasionally, including four photographed at the Visitor Centre on January 2nd. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Observed during the week at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was reported on three days this week at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Continue to be regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road near the locked gate. Boreal Chickadee: This species has been difficult to find this week, with only six reported by the 76 observers on the December 30th CBC. One was observed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 4th. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: Check the Green Ash trees near the entrance to Mew Lake Campground where a few continue to feed on the abundant samaras. Some have been reported along the highway as well. Red Crossbill: Small numbers are being observed regularly, often feeding on the seeds of Black Spruce cones. Also watch for them on the highway seeking sand and salt. White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill is being seen daily at various locations along the highway and on the trails. Common Redpoll: A few have started to appear in the Park. Watch for them on the highway. Some were observed in siskin flocks. Hoary Redpoll: A bird of the "Southern" subspecies was noted in a flock of 45 siskins and two Common Redpolls getting grit off the highway near Lake of Two Rivers on January 2nd. Pine Siskin: After just six were reported on the December 30th CBC, flocks of 30 to 50 birds were being seen along the highway later in the week. American Goldfinch: Up to 30 came to the Visitor Centre feeders each day. Evening Grosbeak: As many as 175 were counted at the Visitor Centre feeders, where they continue to be most numerous in the morning. Sunflower seed put out by visitors at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the Opeongo Road locked gate attracted small flocks as well. 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, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 will be open daily until January 8, and on weekends after that, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is open on weekdays in winter from 9 am to 4 pm, with self-serve hot and cold beverages plus snacks available in the restaurant. 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 (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
