Hello Ontbirders: This is Ron Tozer, reporting from the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre.
Visitor Centre staff checked the Lake Travers Marsh for Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows again today, and we found two. The birds perched in plain view for almost a minute, allowing fantastic views. An adult Great Gray Owl was observed along the Cameron Lake Road (km 20) at the Round Island Lake portage today, as well. This site is in the park interior on a road closed to the public. I mention it here in case this turns out to be the first owl of a flight this winter. However, given that this species has been known to nest in that part of Algonquin Park in the past, today's bird may have been a resident rather than an individual from farther north. Directions: Lake Travers in Algonquin Provincial Park can be reached via the Sand Lake Gate access point, located on Barron Canyon Road. This road is reached by turning south off the Highway 17 bypass onto County Road 26, at a point 3.5 km west of the Forest Lea Road (approximately 9 km west of Pembroke), travelling 300 metres, and then turning right at Barron Canyon Road. Proceed 17.5 km to Sand Lake Gate, and then an additional 55 km to the Lake Travers access point parking lot at Poplar Rapids on the Petawawa River. Follow a trail from the parking lot to the Turtle Club historical site, and then proceed eastward along the beach to the marshy bay on Lake Travers. Use an Ontario road map to locate Pembroke. Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario [EMAIL PROTECTED] Kevin Clute <[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.
