Beautiful spring-like weather often prevailed this week but in the almost total absence of open water or bare ground there was no indication of migrants on the Algonquin Highlands. That should change in the next few days with the arrival of the first American Crows.
Gray Jays continued to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road at the gate. Researchers had located at least 11 nests under construction by week's end The White-throated Sparrow at the Visitor Centre feeder all winter was last seen on February 25. Milder temperatures likely stimulated it to move elsewhere. What may be the last Pine Grosbeaks were two at the West Gate on February 27. In winters of low numbers like this, the first pulse of sustained warmer weather in late February or early March often coincides with their disappearance northward. The big flock of American Goldfinches persisted at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeaks are still present in Whitney, east of Algonquin. American Marten: one or two are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders now and likely to be seen by anybody who stays for awhile. 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/
