The biggest change this week in Algonquin was the very strong winds and heavy snow squalls. Few birders ventured out here, but some sightings were reported.
FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Up to 40 are at the Visitor Centre feeders daily, with a large number of adult males. There were 35 at the West Gate feeder, and 8 at Mew Lake, on January 25, as well. Common Redpoll: About five are at the Visitor Centre feeder on most days, and 25 were at the West Gate feeder on January 25. RESIDENT BOREAL SPECIES: Gray Jay: a pair was at the Opeongo Road winter gate on January 25. No reports of other species this week. BIRDERS: 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. Good birding. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) 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 (now 10 to 5 through February). 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
