There was no snow on the ground by week's end but ponds were covered by thin ice after Monday. Warmer temperatures should melt that soon.
Canada Goose: migrants were present at several locations through the week, which is notably late for Algonquin and yet another indicator of climate warming. White-winged Scoter: 1 off Opeongo Access Point on November 19 was our second latest fall date ever. Ring-billed Gull: 3 adults persisted at Opeongo Access Point on November 19. They were the last of a large flock of mainly adults (up to 100 birds) that first appears there in September each year. The Ring-billed Gull does not breed in Algonquin and adults are usually not present on Lake Opeongo in summer. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: A male was just past the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 18 and 19. A male was displaying on Opeongo Road just north of Cameron Lake road on November 19. Black-backed Woodpecker: no reports. Gray Jay: seen along along the old railway past the chain gate east of Arowhon Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: 2 were along along the old railway past the chain gate east of Arowhon Road on November 17, and 2 were on Opeongo Road just past Cameron Lake road on November 19. Finches: PINE GROSBEAK: one flying over at the Visitor Centre on November 21 was the first of the fall. Purple Finch: 2 were near the gate on the old railway east of Arowhon Road on November 17. White-winged Crossbill: scattered small flocks along Highway 60 continued. Red Crossbill: 2 were at Ringneck Pond on Highway 60 east of Rock Lake Road on November 21. Common Redpoll: 8 were along the old railway past the chain gate east of Arowhon Road on November 17, 10 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 19, and a flock of 30 or 40 were feeding on tamarack along Opeongo Road on November 19. Pine Siskin: a total of 4 seen on November 17, at the old railway east of Arowhon Road and the Old Airfield. American Goldfinch: 1 was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 1 was along Opeongo Road on November 19. Evening Grosbeak: up to 40 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week, the most there in several years. They are most regular before 10 in the morning. 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. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen. _______________________________________________ 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/
