The 34th annual Algonquin Provincial Park Christmas Bird Count (sponsored by The Friends of Algonquin Park) was held on Saturday, December 29. As expected in this winter of almost non-existent tree seed crops here, the totals for species (23) and individuals (1,300) were well below average. There were no unusual species. The only finches recorded were Pine Grosbeak and Common Redpoll.
Unfortunately, as with several other Ontario counts this year, our ability to detect birds was significantly compromised by the weather conditions (snow squalls, often heavy, until late morning; and gusty winds all day). Despite this, I think that the results are a fairly accurate indicator of the impressive scarcity of birds (away from feeders) in central Ontario this winter. I would like to thank the 67 observers for their great effort, and all the people who helped to organize and run the count. Total Species: 23 (average is 28) Total Individuals: 1,300 (average is 5,028) Birds Per Party Hour: 6 (lowest: 4 in 1983; highest: 91 in 1984) Total Observers: 67 (highest ever was 68) Temperature Range: minus 1 to plus 1 degrees C. Snow depth: 15 to 60 cm Below is the complete list. Please stop reading and delete now if you don't want to know the details! Ruffed Grouse: 80 (high, but much lower than record high of 149) Spruce Grouse: 1 Rock Pigeon: 6 (in MTO sand dome at East Gate, as usual) Barred Owl: 2 Downy Woodpecker: 23 Hairy Woodpecker: 39 Black-backed Woodpecker: 9 Pileated Woodpecker: 9 Northern Shrike: 1 Gray Jay: 33 Blue Jay: 37 (essentially absent away from feeders) American Crow: 1 (heard calling; rare here in winter) Common Raven: 92 Black-capped Chickadee: 672 (scarce away from feeders) Boreal Chickadee: 13 Red-breasted Nuthatch: 121 (most left this fall) White-breasted Nuthatch: 12 Brown Creeper: 14 Golden-crowned Kinglet: 37 Dark-eyed Junco:1 (at Visitor Centre feeder) Snow Bunting: 1 Pine Grosbeak: 68 Common Redpoll: 23 Unidentified birds: 5 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 along 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, including the Algonquin Information Guide showing locations discussed here. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open on weekends (10 to 4) through the winter. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information via the service entrance (right end of the building as you face it from the parking lot). _______________________________________________ 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/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
