Migrant waterfowl in evidence this week included Greater Scaup (Lake of Two Rivers) and Common Goldeneye (Long Lake).
Spruce Grouse have been reported fairly regularly from the Wolf Howl Pond area, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk, including displaying males. Wild Turkeys were observed along Highway 60 at kilometre markers 28 and 51, and just outside the west boundary. A Short-eared Owl was flushed from the clearing at Odenback on Radiant Lake in the park interior on October 14. Black-backed Woodpeckers were sighted this week at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail, and opposite Site 94 in Mew Lake Campground. Gray Jays are being seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Mew Lake Campground, Opeongo Road, and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area. Boreal Chickadees were noted near Wolf Howl Pond, and along Arohwon Road. Opeongo Road is also a good place to look and listen for this species. First-of-the-fall American Tree Sparrows and a Northern Shrike were observed at the Old Airfield on October 15. Two Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows were flushed from the dense vegetation on the eastern side of the Lake Travers Marsh on October 14. White-winged Crossbills are present along Highway 60 in small numbers. Red Crossbills were reported as well, but in even lower numbers. A few Pine Siskins were noted, and they may be moving here as elsewhere in southern Ontario. Sites where finches were seen this week included: Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, East Beach boat launch on Lake of Two Rivers, and Opeongo Road. Please report your Algonquin Park sightings (including date, number and location) to me for our Algonquin Visitor Centre databank. Thanks. 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). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings and information. Exhibits and restaurant are open daily, 10 am to 5 pm, until October 26. The centre will be open on weekends during the winter, from 10 am to 4 pm. _______________________________________________ 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
