The 33rd annual Algonquin Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count (sponsored by The Friends of Algonquin Park) was held on Saturday, December 30. Sixty- three observers experienced a beautiful day in the Park: temperatures from minus 7 to plus 1 degrees C; less than 10 cm of snow on the ground (making it possible to cover more areas); and mostly calm, sunny conditions (except for an hour of light snow after dawn). Abundant seed crops, milder weather so far this winter, light snow cover, and little wind during the count (allowing birds such as woodpeckers and finches to be heard well), all contributed to excellent results.
The significant southward irruption of both three-toed woodpecker species this fall appeared to be reflected in the count. There were good numbers and variety of winter finches due to abundant seed on spruce, tamarack, hemlock, yellow birch and other trees. Despite extensive open water in creeks and rivers, no species that utilize this habitat were found. The total species observed was 34, tying the highest ever for this count (previously achieved in 1979 and 1991). No new species for the count were found, but new high numbers of individuals were set for seven species. New High Counts (previous highs in parentheses): Bald Eagle: 4 (2) Ruffed Grouse: 149 (118) American Three-toed Woodpecker: 10 (6) Black-backed Woodpecker: 35 (23) Pileated Woodpecker: 30 (29) American Crow: 20 (4) Dark-eyed Junco: 130 (107) Species Infrequently Observed on this Count: Sharp-shinned Hawk: 1 (count week only) Red-tailed Hawk: 1 (sixth time on the count) Northern Saw-whet Owl: 1 (third time on the count) Species With Higher Than Usual Numbers: Blue Jay: 527 Red-breasted Nuthatch: 982 Golden-crowned Kinglet: 137 American Tree Sparrow: 53 Finches: Pine Grosbeak: zero Purple Finch: 280 Red Crossbill: 309 White-winged Crossbill: 1,513 Common Redpoll: 1 (calling in flight; identified by experienced observers) Pine Siskin: 2,325 American Goldfinch: 386 Evening Grosbeak: 119 Total Species: 34 (average is 28) Total Individuals: 8,791 (average is 4,910) Birds Per Party Hour: 39 (6 last year, when seed crops were very poor) Total Observers: 63 (highest ever, 68) As always, I would like to thank our observers, many of whom travel great distances to participate on the count, and who walk many kilometres over rough terrain to help us establish a suggestive indicator of the relative abundance of the early winter birds of Algonquin Park. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park CBC Compiler Dwight, Ontario Directions: Algonquin 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there.
