Some winter finches, although still scarce, showed increasing numbers this past week in Algonquin Park, and nearby areas in Muskoka. The species and number of individuals at feeders seemed to be changing regularly, perhaps suggestive of birds moving through in search of seed crops (almost totally lacking here).
Reports of finches this week along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park were: Pine Grosbeak: scarce, but more numerous and widespread. Purple Finch: most seem to have departed. Red Crossbill: no reports. White-winged Crossbill: one small flock. Common Redpoll: a few at feeders, and feeding on White Birch. Pine Siskin: small numbers regular at Visitor Centre feeder. American Goldfinch: a few at Visitor Centre feeder; most seem to have departed. Evening Grosbeak: small numbers at Visitor Centre feeder. Reports of northern species included: Spruce Grouse: Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail. Boreal Chickadee: Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Wolf Howl Pond. A Bohemian Waxwing, briefly near the Visitor Centre feeder on October 26, may have been the first here of the predicted movement this fall. The Visitor Centre Red-bellied Woodpecker was last seen October 20. A late Eastern Bluebird at the Old Airfield (October 21), and Red- necked Grebe (October 21-23) and Horned Grebe (October 21) on Lake of Two Rivers, were noteworthy sightings. Please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. This information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders here. Thanks. Good birding. Ron Tozer 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 fall and winter, including the Algonquin Information Guide showing locations discussed here. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until October 28, and will be open on weekends (10 to 4) through the winter. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdshow.htm ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm
