More birders this week resulted in a few more birds being reported. Black-backed Woodpecker.: female at West Rose Lake on Mizzy Lake trail on February 5.
Northern Shrike: One was around the Visitor Centre feeders briefly on February 9. Gray Jay: reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance, Visitor Centre, Opeongo Road and West Rose Lake. Boreal Chickadee: two or three were at suet and sunflower seeds at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, providing great photographic opportunities for those who waited for them to appear. The suet is on a tree on your left as you approach the trail register box after the first short boardwalk. The birds are often absent for long periods but have been feeding on the suet regularly. Pine Grosbeak: two were on Highway 60 near Leaf Lake Ski Trail (km 53.9) on February 6. As predicted in Ron Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecast, this species has been very scarce here this winter. Common Redpoll: up to 30 were feeding on the sunflower seed at the entrance to the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and there were about 40 at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. American Marten: one or two are coming irregularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Moose: one or two were reported along the highway this week, including a young bull with antlers near Jake Lake on February 9. Some young bulls will retain their antlers for several more weeks. Good birding this week. Please let us know what you see so we can enter your sightings in 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 weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. During the week, birders may be able to enter the centre by the service entrance (far right as you face the building) to view the feeders. Contact staff for permission. 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 [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
