This is the last of the weekly bird reports from Algonquin Park this spring, although occasional updates may be issued in the coming weeks. Thanks again to all who have reported their observations.
Cooler temperatures, often windy conditions, and even snow squalls on April 27, appeared to slow the arrival of new migrants. The only new species reported was Barn Swallow at Smoke Creek on April 24. Spruce Grouse have been reported near the register book on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and in the km 4 area on Arowhon Road at Sims Pit. Common Loons continue to be notably slow in arriving, with some breeding lakes still having none. The male Black-backed Woodpecker continued to excavate a nest cavity in the third utility pole west of Leaf Lake Ski Trail entrance, affording excellent views. Gray Jays are most reliably found by walking east from the chain gate along the Old Railway near Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose Lake. Two waxwings reported at Canoe Lake Road (Portage Store road) along Highway 60 on April 24 were almost certainly Bohemians. (Our earliest spring date for Cedar Waxwing is May 15.) We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Birders are encouraged to add their sightings 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 daily from 9 am to 5 pm. 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/
