Good evening. Just arrived home from a very productive Algonquin trip and following are some of the birds Jay Peterson, Ian Cannell and I found.
Female Black-backed Woodpecker, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak at start of west end of the Spruce Bog Trail. Hairy Woodpeckers, 135+ Evening Grosbeaks and 2 Purple Finches at the Visitor Centre (front and back feeders) as well as Evening Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls and a Hoary Redpoll on the road into the centre (about 100 feet short of the buildings). Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins along Opeongo Road (past the bridge over the creek). Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-winged Crossbills, Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins at the winter gate on Opeongo road. We also found another 2 dozen Evening Grosbeaks during a quick trip into Whitney. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On our way home we stopped at the location of the reported Band-tailed Pigeon east of Bracebridge. Our days luck continued as just about 1 minute after we exited the car we were shown the pigeon sitting in a tree about 20 feet (6 meters) in front of us. How lucky can one or three get. We then headed home and on the way down Hwy 11 in about 10 miles we spotted 2 Northern Shrikes. The pigeon was a great end to a very nice trip, weather and bird wise. Directions:- ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK - PER RON TOZER Algonquin Provincial Park (fee) 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.algonquin park.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and in formation. 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/ Band-tailed Pigeon directions per Al Snider Take Hwy 11 to south exit for Bracebridge, exit 182. Go 8 km east towards Haliburton on Hwy 118E. Come up the laneway at 911# 1852, CAUTION very steep & slippery so come up fast. Feeder is behind the house. Knock on the front door for assistance. Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 _______________________________________________ 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/
