There were a few signs of very early spring this week. Most bird activity is still at the feeders at the Visitor Centre and the West Gate.
The Visitor Centre will be open daily from March 8 to 16, and March 21 to 24 (10 am to 5 pm), and then on weekends to April 20 (10 to 5). FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Up to 20 are at the Visitor Centre feeders daily, with adult males often singing. Others were at the West Gate feeder. Red Crossbill: For the second week in a row, this finch was reported, this time calling in flight over Spruce Bog on March 2. Common Redpoll: A few are coming to the Visitor Centre and West Gate feeders, irregularly. Hoary Redpoll: Singles were at feeders at the Visitor Centre and West Gate on March 2. BOREAL RESIDENTS: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: No new reports. Gray Jay: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, and at the Visitor Centre. A total of 12 nests under construction have now been found in Dan Strickland's ongoing study. Boreal Chickadee: Four were seen near post 8 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 2. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES: Red-tailed Hawk: One over Tea Lake on March 1 was likely a migrant, since the last bird of this species was seen here in mid-November. Golden Eagle: One over km 10 on March 1 was probably a bird that has wintered here or nearby, surviving on large mammal carcasses. Northern Shrike: A bird at Long Lake on March 4 was one of very few here this winter, as expected with very low bird and small mammal populations. 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 has recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, 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
