This week featured very cold and very mild temperatures. Arriving migrants included Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, American Tree Sparrow and Red-winged Blackbird.
The Visitor Centre will be open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, from March 10 to 18 for March Break. 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. Park permit required. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: One on Opeongo Road, March 6, about1 km beyond the gate. Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 7. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Gray Jay: Several were along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Three were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 1 and 3. At least 5 on Opeongo Road on March 6. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Three to five birds were reported this week at Arowhon Road, Mizzy Lake Trail, Mew Lake, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Purple Finch: One was observed on the Visitor Centre drive. Red Crossbill: Three were on Opeongo Road on March 6. Three were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance on March 6 and 8. White-winged Crossbill: Small groups were reported at Arowhon Road, Lake of Two Rivers, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Common Redpoll: A few were seen on Arowhon Road, along the highway and on Opeongo Road. A flock of 50+ was at Brewer Lake on March 6. Pine Siskin: Widespread. American Goldfinch: One or two at the Visitor Centre. Evening Grosbeak: Thirty or more continue at the Visitor Centre feeders. Others were reported from Opeongo Road and Mew Lake. MAMMALS Marten: One or two are regular around the suet feeder near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. 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/
