There have been some signs of “pre-spring” in the Park recently, including: researchers finding the first Canada Jay nest under construction (Feb 21); arrival of the first crow (Feb 27); a raven with nest material (Feb 28); the first starlings (Mar 10); and the first sightings of Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle (Mar 11). Open water on the Oxtongue River below Tea Lake Dam (but scarce elsewhere along Highway 60) had two Common Goldeneyes (Mar 10), likely overwintering on the river but perhaps early migrants. Snow depth has melted and compacted down about 30 cm to an average of 34 cm. However, the Highway 60 walking trails are well-trodden and accessible. Bird reports have been limited due to fewer observers than normal.
A SPRUCE GROUSE was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Mar 3). Single BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road (Feb 28) and at the Highland Backpacking Trail parking lot (Mar 10). CANADA JAYS have been regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road from the winter gate northward. A BOREAL CHICKADEE, perhaps the one first seen during mid-December in conifers near the bike trail bridge on the south side of the Old Airfield, was reported there (Feb 27). There have been recent reports of just four winter finch species, reflecting this non-cone winter in Algonquin. Small numbers of PINE GROSBEAKS continue to be seen along Highway 60, Opeongo Road, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. A few COMMON REDPOLLS have been noted, often as calling flyovers. RED CROSSBILL sightings of two to six birds were at Western Uplands Backpacking Trail parking lot (Mar 5), and at Opeongo Road, Old Airfield and Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Mar 6). Some reports of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL showed slightly higher numbers, but they are also scarce. There were four at the Logging Museum (Feb 25); plus 13 (Feb 26) and a flock of 45 (Mar 6) on Opeongo Road. The Friends of Algonquin Park Bookstore and Nature Shop in the Visitor Centre (km 43) is now open daily, weekdays 9 am to 4 pm and weekends 9 am to 5 pm. However, the Visitor Centre exhibits, viewing deck, restaurant and theatre are CLOSED. The Friends’ store provides Park information, day use and seasonal permits, wildlife sightings, books, maps and souvenirs. Free high speed Wi-Fi, courtesy of The Friends, is available during operating hours. To maintain safe physical-distancing, real-time occupancy data are available online at https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/occupancy.php and in-person prior to entry via a large LCD screen. As per public health guidelines, wearing of a face mask is required for entry. Only the Algonquin Park Wild Bird Cam feeder is currently in operation at the Visitor Centre and it is best viewed via the live stream online at: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/wild_bird_cam.php 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). Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
