A notable change this week was the fresh fall of significant amounts of seed from yellow birch, white spruce and balsam fir onto the snow beneath these trees. This typical late winter occurrence may result in more finches at feeders in the coming days, as noted for Purple Finch last week.
For those watching for signs of spring, a male Blue Jay at the Visitor Centre today was engaging in courtship feeding as it passed a seed to a female. Some Gray Jay pairs will be starting to build nests within the next 10 days, especially if today's milder temperatures persist. Note: Arowhon Road is closed to public travel as log hauling is underway on it seven days per week. The gate on the Opeongo Road was reported closed and locked today.. Plan to attend the Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park on Saturday, February 15. Events include: a Park Naturalist-guided bird walk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (10 to 11:30 am); a tour of the Visitor Centre plant and animal collections room (12:30 to 1:30 pm); and a fireside and night hike wolf howl program at Mew Lake Campground (6 to 8 pm) -- free with your park permit. More details are available at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2012-01-17_winter_festival.php Noteworthy sightings: Ruffed Grouse: A group of six including a displaying male was seen near the start of the Visitor Centre driveway on February 4. Black-capped Chickadee: The bird exhibiting leucism or partial albinism reported earlier was seen at the Opeongo Road gate again today. Bohemian Waxwing: A flock of about 30 was observed in flight along Highway 60 west of Opeongo Road on February 5. One was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 7. Late winter records are rare here. Pine Marten: One or two have been fairly regular at the suet holder near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: At dawn on February 4, a total of 5 flew from south of Highway 60 where they had probably roosted and landed in trees beside the Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot Two were seen at Spruce Bog the next day. Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was seen along Opeongo Road on February 4 and another female was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 5. Gray Jay: Several were observed along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were reported on three days this week along Opeonog Road, near the gate and north of the bridge. It was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 5. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: There were 7 along the northern section of Opeongo Road on February 4 and 1 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 7. Purple Finch: Up to 6 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Red Crossbill: Flocks of up to 25 were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Twelve were seen on Opeongo Road on February 4. White-winged Crossbill: Flocks were widespread this week, including along Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and getting grit on Highway 60. Common Redpoll: Flocks of up to 75 were reported at various locations. They were feeding on tamarack on Opeongo Road. Hoary Redpoll: A female exilipes was among Common Redpolls feeding on tamarack along Opeongo Road on February 4. Pine Siskin: Numerous in flocks along Highway 60, often mixed with Common Redpolls. American Goldfinch: At least 2 were at the Visitor Centre feeders on the weekend. Evening Grosbeak: Large numbers continue at the Visitor Centre feeders, mainly in the morning. Other flocks were at Mew Lake Campground, Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk 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/
