Suet feeders are now operational at the Visitor Centre and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. It will be interesting to see whether Boreal Chickadees are attracted at Spruce Bog as they were last year.
Warmer temperatures and rain on Sunday removed much of the snow along Highway 60, but more came today. Big lakes are mainly free of ice. The open water resulted in record late fall dates for White-winged Scoter (Lake Travers, December 2), Black Scoter (Lake of Two Rivers, December 6-7) and Bufflehead (Lake Travers, December 2). Common Loon: single birds were noted on several lakes through the week. Ring-billed Gull: 3 adults were last at Opeongo Access Point on December 2. The second latest fall date ever for Algonquin. Northern Shrike: 1 was chasing feeder birds at the Visitor Centre on several days during the week. Bohemian Waxwing: about 20 were briefly at the Visitor Centre on December 7. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: no reports. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Gray Jay: seen regularly on Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Visitor Centre. Boreal Chickadee: No reports. Try the old railway from Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond. FINCHES: White-winged Crossbill: small numbers continue to be observed. Red Crossbill: five were on the Opeongo Road at Costello Lake on December 2 and there were 40 at km 5 on Highway 60 on December 3. Common Redpoll: small numbers are still being seen. Pine Siskin: two flocks of 25 each were reported at the Opeongo Access Point on December 2 and there were 12 along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road today. American Goldfinch: two at Visitor Centre feeders today. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 40 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders regularly, especially in the morning. MAMMALS: A Marten is visiting the suet feeders at the Visitor Centre. 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/
