Hi Ron: Thanks for your continued interesting reports. I take it that Gray Jays begin nesting this time of year? Should there be eggs in these nests soon?
Thank you Don Davis Toronto, Ontario, Canada Friends of Presqu'ile Park ________________________________ From: Ron Tozer <[email protected]> To: ontbirds <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 24, 2012 1:12 AM Subject: [Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 23 February 2012 This week will be the last chance for winter listers to look here for those boreal species and winter finches they still need. Please note there will be no access to the Visitor Centre exhibits, restaurant area or the viewing deck from February 27 to March 2 since the floors are being refinished. However, the feeders below the viewing deck can be viewed by walking carefully around the south end of the building. The Winter in the Wild Festival on February 18 was a great success, with about 80 people attending the morning bird walk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. NOTEWORTHY SIGHTINGS: Wild Turkey: One was observed in Kearney Lake Campground on February 22. There have been very few sightings this winter despite the seemingly more favourable conditions. Bald Eagle: An adult soaring over Opeongo Road was seen on a February 19-20 visit. For the first time this winter, there was a report from the East Side. On February 20, birders visiting Barron Canyon Road reported: Black-backed Woodpecker (3), Gray Jay (15), White-winged Crossbill (3), Common Redpoll (200 flying over in flocks), and Northern Shrike (1). BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports in the Highway 60 Corridor. Gray Jay: Several were along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. The first Gray Jay nest of the "spring" was found in an early stage of construction on February 16. Dan Strickland had found five nests by today, as part of his 40-year research project in Algonquin Park. Boreal Chickadee: One was found near the bridge north of the gate on Opeoongo Road on a February 19-20 visit. Another was noted at the end of the long boardwalk on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 21. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Singles on Opeongo Road near the gate. Purple Finch: One reported at the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: About 30 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on a February 19-20 visit. White-winged Crossbill: About 12 along Opeongo Road on February 19-20. Some singing is being heard now, perhaps indicative of nesting activity to come. Common Redpoll: Observed on Opeongo Road near the gate. When observed feeding, they are usually on tamarack. Pine Siskin: Observed on Opeongo Road near the gate. A few are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Some singing birds now, so nesting may begin in March. American Goldfinch: A few at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeak: Large numbers are still coming to the Visitor Centre feeders and some at campsite feeders in Mew Lake Campground as well. MAMMALS Moose: One or two are seen regularly along Highway 60. Marten: Three individuals were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the suet feeder. Fisher: One was running away from Highway 60 just before the East Gate at about 5:45 pm today. Eastern Wolf: Three were at km 53 on Highway 60 about 5:15 pm today. 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. 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/ _______________________________________________ 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/
