Hoary Redpoll at the Visitor Centre was noteworthy this week. A Northern Shrike at Spruce Bog on February 20 was one of very few observed here this winter, as expected with small mammal and bird prey being so scarce.
In Algonquin's traditional first sign of spring, a Gray Jay nest under construction was found on February 18 (the same date as last year). Thirty years ago, prior to significant climate warming, this event typically occurred first in March here. (Gray Jay nest-finding efforts in Algonquin are part of Dan Strickland's long-term study of this species over four decades. Locations are not reported since human visitation may increase the probability of nest failure.) Birders should check the feeders at the Visitor Centre, and at the West Gate, which are the only good sites for multiple species at the moment. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Up to 30 are at the Visitor Centre feeders daily, with a large number of adult males. Common Redpoll: A few at the Visitor Centre feeder. Hoary Redpoll: A male was at the Visitor Centre feeder on February 18, and an apparent female was present on the 20th and 21st. No other finch species appear to be present in the Park. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: best places to look continue to be Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road (near winter gate and 1 km north of there). However, none were reported this week despite several searches. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was reported 2 km north of the gate on Opeongo Road on February 17. Another male along the Opeongo Road beyond the gate was on the west side, 500 m north of the Costelllo Creek culvert, foraging high in a spindly, live Black Spruce in the bog on February 20 at 1710 hrs. It can be productive to listen late in the day for the quiet sounds made by this woodpecker as it excavates in sapwood in search of wood-boring beetle larvae. Gray Jay: reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: One was observed on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 16 and 17, and one or two calling birds were there on February 20. Three responded to recorded calls near the gate on the Opeongo Road on February 20. 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
