Winter birding continued to be great this week, although there were fewer reports from birders.
Noteworthy sighting: Red-winged Blackbird: A male first reported on January 25 was seen again on February 12 in Mew Lake Campground, this time at campsite 36. It is surviving solely on seed supplied at camper feeders. BOREAL SPECIES: Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen along Opeongo Road on February 14. Gray Jay: Several were at the gate on Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: One was heard near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 3 were found north of the gate on Opeoongo Road on February 14. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Reports continue along Opeongo Road. White-winged Crossbill: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Hoary Redpoll: One was reported near Opeongo Road Gate on February 12. Pine Siskin: Numerous flocks continue to be reported along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Large numbers are still coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. MAMMALS Moose: One or two seen regularly along Highway 60. Marten: Singles were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the gate on Opeongo Road. Plan to attend the Winter in the Wild Festival in Algonquin Park on Saturday, February 18. 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 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/
