I birded along the highway 60 corridor and adjacent park roads yesterday. Numerous Redpolls both Common (2 subspecies) and Hoary (2 subspecies) were observed at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road. The feeders at the Visitor Centre were very quiet. Three Red Crossbills were observed along the Arowhon Road (requires four wheel drive due to snow and ice in many sections) around km 4. Gray Jays and Ruffed Grouse were also observed along Opeongo Road. A Red-tailed Hawlk was observed being mobbed by ravens near Lake of Two Rivers. Black-capped Chickadees, Hairy Woodpeckers, American Crows and Common Ravens were easily found. A single boreal Chickadee was observed near the suet feeder at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Directions (as per Ron tozer): 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 on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. Dennis Garratt Cobourg, Ontario _______________________________________________ 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/
