Hello Birders,
Autumn color is at peak here in Algonquin, and so is the sparrow migration. While the warblers have slowed right down here in Algonquin, they have now been replaced by large numbers of sparrows, which are now common in any open area, even along the highway. White-crowned, White-throated have been seen in numbers, with smaller numbers of Lincoln’s and Savannah Sparrowsand this is the time to look for Nelson’s Sparrow and LeConte’s Sparrow in wet, grassy areas. Try the south end of the Old Airfield and the Two Rivers Marsh for these two, or Lake Travers Marsh on the East Side. We will report if any are seen. Finches in the Park have been interesting. There were no reports of either crossbill this week, but the park is being slowly infiltrated by Pine Siskins, with flocks being seen on the 25th and occasional flyover birds through the week. Evening Grosbeak is also around, with two birds in the Visitor Centre parking lot this morning. A young Northern Cardinal was at Canoe Lake Access Point on the 25th – a very rare bird in the Park. They do not breed here and are only detected very infrequently as dispersing individuals. A Pied-billed Grebe was at West Rose Lake on the 26th – another uncommon bird for the Park. Specialty birds are as follows: Spruce Grouse: The best place has been Opeongo Road, where almost ever day this week there have been up to three birds, including a male. The best place along this road is adjacent to the big Tamarack (Larch) tree on the east side of the road past the gate. Gray Jay: Reports of this friendly jay are streaming in every day, from birders and non-birders alike, as the birds are now approaching people for food. The best places have been the North end of Mizzy Lake Trail, Opeongo Road past the gate and the Algonquin Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Multiple birds were seen on the 25th at the North end of Mizzy Lake Trail at Wolf Howl Pond, and at West Rose Lake as well. This is the best spot for them at this point. They have also been along Opeongo Road past the bridge, but not as reliably. You’ll hear them before you see them. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports this week. Try the North end of Mizzy Lake trail, the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, or the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail entrance. Please send us any bird sightings you’ve had in the park, even of common birds, as we continue to monitor the autumn migration. The Visitor Centre is at km 43 and is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. Here you can find recent bird sightings, information, and helpful naturalist staff to tell you where your best chances are for finding birds. There is also a restaurant. 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. You can also get directions to the locations, as well as updates and info about other park events at www.algonquinpark.on.ca. Good Birding! Lev Frid Algonquin Provincial Park, ON [email protected] Thespruceblog.blogspot.com _______________________________________________ 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/
