The week saw a few reports from birders, but little change in what is being observed. New snow and colder temperatures prevailed by the end of the week following the earlier mild weather.
Golden Eagle: an adult was photographed over km 8 on January 23. Northern Shrike: one was at Wolf Howl Pond on January 23. White-throated Sparrow: one is still at the Visitor Centre feeder. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was at Davies Bog on the Bat Lake Trail on January 24. Gray Jay: present this week at Visitor Centre feeder; on Opeongo Road at the gate and at the bridge; at Wolf Howl Pond; and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Three were at Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail on Janaury 23. The species was noted in the middle section of the Bat Lake Trail on January 24. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: female still coming to the Visitor Centre feeder. American Goldfinch: About 70 daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Mammals: Pine martens continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders daily. Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60. The walking trails, closed for a couple of days this week due to slippery conditions, are open again. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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 to the public on weekends only from 10 am to 4 pm until January 31. Birder 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. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ 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/
