Again this week, there was little change in the birds observed. The white-striped White-throated Sparrow continues to come to the Visitor Centre feeders.
Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: possible in black spruce areas along the highway and along Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: there were up to seven this week at the Visitor Centre feeders; also present on Opeongo Road and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: no reports this week. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: the lone female is still coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. American Goldfinch: from 70 to 100 daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeak: some are likely still coming to feeders in Whitney on Highway 60 east of Algonquin Park. Mammals: Pine martens continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders daily, but at no predictable time. Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60. A road-killed deer from outside the Park that was placed in the Sunday Creek bog, visible from the Visitor Centre viewing deck, had been largely consumed by up to three wolves, eleven ravens and a fox as of last Tuesday. Another road-killed deer has been placed there now, and ravens have started on it. 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 details on recent sightings, feeders, and information. It is open to the public this weekend from 10 am to 5 pm. 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/
