For yet another Thursday, we had no snow on the ground and almost no ice on any lake or pond in Algonquin Park. This will not last!
The "East Side" of Algonquin Park (accessible as far as Lake Travers via the Barron Canyon Road north of Pembroke) has consistently yielded higher numbers of migrating water birds than the Highway 60 Corridor. Factors which may contribute to this difference include the East Side's proximity to the Ottawa River and the area's comparatively small number of large lakes, which tend to concentrate these birds. Two birders paddling Lake Travers and the adjacent Petawawa River to Big Thompson Rapids on November 28 observed: American Black Duck 7, Mallard 70, Greater Scaup 1, Lesser Scaup 4, Bufflehead 11, Common Goldeneye 3, Hooded Merganser 18, Common Merganser 44, Red-breasted Merganser 1, Red-throated Loon 1 juvenile (4th Park record), and Common Loon 2. In comparison, a few Hooded Mergansers and one or two Common Loons were noted along the Highway 69 Corridor. Two Canada Geese were on Clarke Lake on November 30, a very late date for Algonquin. Two Common Loons were on Cache Lake on December 2. An adult Golden Eagle was at Lake Travers on November 28. Four very late Ring-billed Gulls were still at Opeongo Access Point on November 26, and an adult Herring Gull was there on December 3. Most local Blue Jays migrated this fall. Where last year there were 30 or 40 at the Visitor Centre feeders all winter, the total is about five now. The extremely poor state of natural food crops is the cause. Fourteen Bohemian Waxwings were at the Visitor Centre on November 28. A White-throated Sparrow frequented the Visitor Centre feeders from November 30 to December 3. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: one female was at the Visitor Centre on November 30 and December 1. Pine Siskin: three came to the Visitor Centre feeders, November 30 to December 3. American Goldfinch: up to 25 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Not sure what they are eating away from feeders. Perhaps weed seeds are still available due to the lack of snow. Boreal Species Info: Spruce Grouse: No reports, but check the Wolf Howl Pond area. Gray Jay: Reliable locations are Spruce Bog Boarwalk, Opeongo Road, and the Wolf Howl Pond area of Mizzy Lake Trail. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre suet feeders daily. Boreal Chickadee: Try Wolf Howl Pond area. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Black spruce bog areas have them, but you have to find them. Mammals: Pine Marten: two are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre suet. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. 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 near 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, feeders, and information. The centre is open weekends only until December 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
