Fresh from our success in finding Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Lake Travers and Radiant Lake on Algonquin Park's "East Side" on Friday (October 3), we decided to search suitable wet sedge marshes along the Highway 60 Corridor on Saturday (October 4). We checked four locations and were rewarded with two Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at one of them.
The two sparrows were found in thick, tall sedge on "islands" in the marsh at the mouth of the Madawaska River, adjacent to Lake of Two Rivers Campground and the Old Airfield. Access requires high rubber boots or waders to get across open water sections, and is easiest from the Old Airfield. Directions: The Old Airfield can be reached by driving part way along the Mew Lake Campground entrance (at km 30.6 from the West Gate on Highway 60) and parking in the Old Railway Bike Trail parking lot. Then proceed on foot east along a gated roadway to the Lake of Two Rivers end of the airfield. Enter the marsh at a point opposite a large arrow drawn in an eroded sand area, across an old beaver dam, and start carefully searching to flush sparrows. There are several Swamp Sparrows there, but the sharp-tails will perch in view if you move slowly and pish. Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Maps of the Highway 60 Corridor and permits are available at the park gates. Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ron Tozer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
