The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin Provincial Park for northern species during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES OR SECTION BELOW. Snow and Ice: Some open water has developed at river mouths, but all lakes and ponds are still ice-covered. A thick layer of wet snow now blankets the park after last night and today. Moose: A few at puddles along the highway are being seen irregularly. Spruce Grouse: A male was near the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on April 6. The colder weather and snow will not encourage displaying by males. Areas to search include: Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway 60); the black spruce area south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road (located at km 46.3) near the locked gate, and farther north in black spruce bog area on the right (east) side. American Three-toed Woodpecker: Single males were observed near the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and near the locked gate on Opeongo Road, on April 6. . Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was seen at km 8 on April 6. Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8 on Highway 60 are good areas to search. Check all conifer sites where de-barked trees are in evidence. Imitations of Barred Owl calls, and pishing, may elicit calls or movements by this woodpecker, helping to locate them. Gray Jay: One was at the locked gate on Opeongo Road on April 6, and another was seen farther north on the road the next day. Boreal Chickadee: Two were detected at the Opeongo Road locked gate on April 6. There were single birds along Opeongo Road at the Costello Creek culvert, and at the north end in the black spruce, on April 7. Pine Siskin: New sand and salt on the highway has resulted in larger numbers on the road again. Pine Grosbeak: OUTSIDE THE PARK Two female-type birds eating gravel along Highway 127 south of Whitney, just south of the power line, were reported on April 7. Red Crossbill: Numerous along the highway. White-winged Crossbill: Reported as very common along the highway on April 6. Evening Grosbeak: Frequently, there are 20 or fewer at the Visitor Centre feeders now, but 60+ were reported there on April 7. Note: Rock Lake Road has been re-opened to public travel. Due to wet and muddy places on the Arohwon Road, it will remain closed, likely for a couple more weeks. Your patience is appreciated. As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. In particular, we would like your assistance with spring arrival dates. Please add your sightings to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby. Your bird sightings information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park. Thanks. Good birding. Ron Tozer (retired Algonquin Park Naturalist) 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 free Algonquin 2006 Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in this report. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on weekdays for access to view the feeders.
