Cooler temperatures continue to slow the appearance of new migrants. There have been no reports of Common Loon yet despite all the open water.
NOTEWORTHY SIGHTING: Yellow-rumped Warbler: A male was seen near the East Gate on April 1. This ties the earliest ever date in Algonquin for this warbler. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: A pair near Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance on April 1. Black-backed Woodpecker: Check along Opeongo Road and at km 8 on Highway 60. Gray Jay: Reports from Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Observed along the Old Railway east of Arowhon Road on April 1. FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers are being seen regularly along Highway 60. Red Crossbill: Two were at the Old Airfield parking lot today. White-winged Crossbill: Male was seen near Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail on April 1. Pine Siskin: Still numerous. Nesting has probably started. American Goldfinch: Reported as fairly common in Highway 60 Corridor. Evening Grosbeak: At least 20 continue at the Visitor Centre feeders and some were at the East Gate as well. MAMMALS: Moose: Observations are regular along Highway 60 as moose visit roadside puddles and wet areas seeking the slightly salty water resulting from winter road maintenance operations. Many of these moose are showing moderate hair loss in patches where they have rubbed in response to the presence of winter ticks. Many engorged ticks are particularly obvious on the rear ends of these moose. 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 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, including April 6 to 9. Birders visiting during the week are usually 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/
