Moderating temperatures this week and the first observation of Gray Jay nest construction on February 14 were early signs of the eventual onset of spring in Algonquin Park. Before then, however, there are still great opportunities for experiencing the beautiful winter scenery.
A Golden Eagle was reported over Highway 60 at km 11 on February 14. There was a Black-backed Woodpecker near the chain gate west of Wolf Howl Pond on February 12, and another was heard in black spruce bog south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 17. Six Boreal Chickadees were at the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail on February 17. Three Pine Grosbeaks were on Highway 60 at Cache Lake on February 15. Mammals: Two American martens were at the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail on February 17, and one was at the Visitor Centre feeders today. Seven wolves were feeding on a road-killed deer carcass in the Sunday Creek valley today, readily viewed with binoculars and telescopes from the Visitor Centre viewing deck. Watch for more updates on The Friends of Algonquin Park Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Friends-of-Algonquin-Park/169395331567 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 park information. It is open to the public on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. Birder access to the Visitor Centre through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also 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/
