Finches continue to be reported in good numbers. Yellow Birch seed is an attraction for many.
Northern Shrike: one at km 53 on Highway 60 on January 15. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area. Black-backed Woodpecker: One reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 15. Gray Jay: Seen regularly along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Two allowed great viewing in the open along Opeongo Road on January 14. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Five were on Highway 60 near Spruce Bog Boardwalk and also reported east of Opeongo Road on the weekend. Red Crossbill: Six at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 15. White-winged Crossbill: Flocks on the weekend at Spruce Bog, Opeongo Road, Logging Museum and on Highway 60. Common Redpoll: Many on Highway 60 and on the Visitor Centre parking lot on the weekend. Hoary Redpoll: Watch for this rarity in flocks of Commons. One was seen on Highway 60 west of Cache Lake and three were reported east of Opeongo Road on the weekend. Pine Siskin: They continue to be seen and heard in flocks overhead. Noted on Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. American Goldfinch: Often detected in flight as individuals or in Pine Siskin flocks. Evening Grosbeak: up to 90 are regularly at the Visitor Centre feeders, mainly in the morning. Also seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on Opeongo Road on the weekend. 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 Visitor Centre restaurant is not 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. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. 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. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ _______________________________________________ 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/
