There were more observers this week, and consequently, more sightings. An American Three-toed Woodpecker was the week's unusual highlight species (see below).
Birders should check the feeders at the Visitor Centre, and at the West Gate, which are the best sites for multiple species at the moment. At least one Marten and two different Fishers were at the Visitor Centre feeders occasionally this week. Unfortunately, there is no consistent pattern to the timing of their visits. It is easy walking without snowshoes on both the Opeongo Road past the gate, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Going off the beaten path is difficult without snowshoes. The Visitor Centre will be open weekends through March 2, and daily from March 8 to 16 (10 am to 5 pm). FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Up to 20 are at the Visitor Centre feeders daily, with adult males starting to sing now. Others were at the West Gate feeder. Longer days and some milder temperatures may be influencing this species to start heading back north. Red Crossbill: A single calling bird was observed by Michael Runtz at the Visitor Centre on February 24. This was the first report of this species along Highway 60 since 8 November 2007. Common Redpoll: A few are coming to the Visitor Centre and West Gate feeders, irregularly. Hoary Redpoll: A female was at the Visitor Centre feeder on February 23 and 24. A Hoary Redpoll was reported at the West Gate feeder on February 24. BOREAL RESIDENTS: Spruce Grouse: Three males were right on the trail between the first and second boardwalks on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 24, which will be frustrating news for several birders who searched extensively for the species this week, but entirely typical of the phantom Spruce Grouse. Black-backed Woodpecker: This woodpecker is becoming more easily found now, as is usual for this time of year. Females were seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot, and at Davies Bog on Bat Lake Trail, on February23. Another of these woodpeckers was reported about 2 km north of the gate on Opeongo Road, just before the bend, that day. On February 24, a male was along the Opeongo Road, north of the big Costello Creek culverts, and another male was at the edge of the bog at the beginning of the long boardwalk on Spruce Bog Boardwalk that day, and again on February 25. Some of these woodpeckers are drumming now. Gray Jay: Several were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road, and one at the Visitor Centre. Boreal Chickadee: They continue to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and near the Opeongo Road gate. Vocalizations appear to be more frequent now, aiding in locating these birds. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES: Bald Eagle: An adult was seen over the Visitor Centre on February 23. Golden Eagle: One was reported over Highway 60, one or two kilometres west of the West Boundary on February 24. American Three-toed Woodpecker: A female was observed in the bog northeast of the eastern end of the long boardwalk on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 22. Probably the same female was near the register box on that trail, February 25. Northern Shrike: An adult was reported along Highway 60 on February 23. 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 (10 to 5). Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information and access to the viewing deck, 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
