The last lake along Highway 60 to become free of ice, Opeongo (Algonquin's largest lake), opened up on April 7. This was the earliest date ever for Opeongo in 47 years, beating the previous earliest on 12 April 1981. Only rare snow patches in extremely deep shade remain. Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers were calling on April 2, a record early date for both. Spring Beauty is in bloom, and probably Trout Lily as well now, both likely earlier than ever noted before.
Interestingly, many lakes opened up before Common Loons returned. There had been loon reports from only two lakes as of April 7. Loons typically arrive in Algonquin when the first small areas of open water appear. Most migrants are arriving early, and three all-time early records were set this week: Canada Goose (interior subspecies), Common Loon and Osprey. A female Giant Canada Goose incubating eggs along Costello Creek on April 4 was the earliest ever found here. New migrants reported this week included: April 1: Canada Goose (interior subspecies), Bufflehead, Northern Harrier, Eastern Phoebe April 2: Turkey Vulture, American Woodcock, Ring-billed Gull, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark April 3: Common Loon, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow April 4: American Kestrel, Wilson's Snipe, Savannah Sparrow April 5: Osprey, Rusty Blackbird April 6: Yellow-rumped Warbler Other Species of Interest: Bald Eagle: Two were over the Old Airfield on April 4, and one was at Jake Lake on April 5. Spruce Grouse: A male was along the Opeongo Road on April 3. Black-backed Woodpecker: Look in the km 8 area and try Barred Owl calls to get them to respond. Gray Jay: One was at Wolf Howl Pond on April 4, and two were at the Visitor Centre feeders on April 7. The first nestlings were banded by Dan Strickland this week, again a record early date. Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road and the old railway from Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond. Listen for the distinctive calls. Bohemian Waxwing: Five were feeding on common juniper berries at the lookout on Barron Canyon Trail (accessible from Pembroke area via Barron Canyon Road) on April 2. Pine Siskin: Three (including a singing male) were at the Visitor Centre on April 7. Evening Grosbeak: A few have been fairly regular at the Visitor Centre. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby. 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, and is open this weekend from 10 am to 5 pm. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant, 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/
