No snow in Algonquin Park as of this evening, but that could change by tomorrow. Bird numbers at the Visitor Centre feeders are slowly diminishing but a variety of finches still remain. One or two pine martens are fairly regular around the feeders as well.
BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: one on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (November 22). Black-backed Woodpecker: no reports. Gray Jay: regular on Opeongo Road, at the Visitor Centre suet, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: no reports. Try Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail (via Arowhon Road) and in black spruce along northern section of Opeongo Road. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: one east of the Park in Whitney (November 24). One or two are likely around in Algonquin. Purple Finch: adult male at the Visitor Centre feeders (November 25). White-winged Crossbill: still a few flying over. Common Redpoll: one at the Visitor Centre (November 24). Pine Siskin: one at the Visitor Centre feeder (November 25). American Goldfinch: about 2 to 4 at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Evening Grosbeak: about 2 to 6 coming to the Visitor Centre feeders this week. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Wild Turkey: sightings along Highway 60 of one near Canoe Lake (November 22) and two near Track and Tower Trail (November 25). 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 recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre and restaurant are open 9 am to 4 pm on weekends only until December 19. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter via the service entrance (right end of building) to view the feeders; you must check in with staff first. 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/
