More signs of spring this week included Common Ravens gathering material to line nests and the arrival of our first migrant, a starling briefly at the Visitor Centre feeder on February 27 (about a week earlier than the average).
A conducted bird walk will be held at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Saturday, March 10, from 10 to 11:30 am. Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee will be sought. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: One was seen on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 25. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was 200 metres past the gate on Opeongo Road on February 25. Gray Jay: Several were along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Two were heard on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 27 and there were at least three there near the parking lot today. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Two near the East Gate on February 23; two at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot on February 26; and six along Opeongo Road on February 27. Red Crossbill: Two on the road at Mew Lake and two at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 23. Three were at Spruce Bog on February 26 and this crossbill was heard flying over at that location on February 27. White-winged Crossbill: Still being seen in small flocks. Observed getting seed from black spruce cones along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 27. Common Redpoll: Reports were numerous and widespread. Hoary Redpoll (exilipes) : One was near the West Gate and two on Arowhon Road with Common Redpolls on February 23. One was with 50 Common Redpolls on Highway 60 at km 9 on February 25. Pine Siskin: Large numbers reported. Many were extracting seeds from spruce cones and some were feeding on eastern hemlock. Pairs seen on the highway suggested nesting may occur soon. American Goldfinch: Thirty observed at the East Gate on February 27. Evening Grosbeak: About 20 at the Visitor Centre feeders and two dozen at the Opeongo Road gate. MAMMALS Moose: One or two are seen regularly along Highway 60. Marten: Two were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the suet feeder and one near the gate on Opeongo Road. Otters: Two reported on Costello Creek along Opeongo Road on February 23. Eastern Chipmunk: Several reported this week. 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/
