Greetings Birders, If the amazing show of fall colour isn't enough for you to come to Algonquin Park, then perhaps the chance of seeing one of Canada's most spectacular birds of prey will be.
Starting late last week and continuing through this week, we have had multiple reports of Great Gray Owls from three or four locations in the Park, likely involving different birds. Some have been one-day wonders in Algonquin's backcountry observed by Park Staff. However, one first-year bird has been observed most of this week along Highway 60 from km 21 to km 23. This bird has been enjoyed by many people, including this morning (October 4). It is usually seen in the early morning and again in the evening, and usually when it's overcast. All of these owls may be residents, rather than the start of an irruption, since this species is know to breed in Algonquin. Only time will tell. See an image of this Great Gray Owl at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/algonquin_park_birding_report.php If you are going to try and see or photograph this owl, please keep in mind that Highway 60 is a provincial highway. Pull completely off the traveled portion of the highway and be mindful of heavy traffic volumes. This bird is also located within a Provincial Park so special regulations about the harassment of wildlife do exist and can be enforced by Park Wardens and/or Conservation Officers. Individuals witnessing illegal or questionable behaviour in this regard are encouraged to notify Park Staff immediately. This week is also best to locate Nelson's and LeConte's Sparrows, both detected annually in the Park. The weather hasn't been ideal for observations, but watch for these species at the Old Airfield (LeConte's) and in the Airfield Marsh (Nelson's), both accessible via Mew Lake Campground Road. Other long grass areas and marshes may have these sparrows also. Orange-crowned Warbler: A single bird was seen on September 28 at West Rose Lake along the Mizzy Lake Trail. Pied-billed Grebe: Two at March Hare Lake seen from the Arowhon Road on October 2. Finches: Evening Grosbeaks have been at the Visitor Centre Parking Lot every day this week, and Pine Siskins continue to increase in the Park. No crossbills were reported. Specialty Bird Species: Spruce Grouse: A male was displaying to a female at Wolf Howl Pond along the Mizzy Lake Trail on the September 28, and also on Opeongo Road near the Lake Opeongo Access Point on October 2. Gray Jay: Birds were observed at the Algonquin Logging Museum, the Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and at the Opeongo Road. At this time of year, this species is increasingly easy to locate. Boreal Chickadee: Four birds were at Wolf Howl Pond along the Mizzy Lake Trail on September 28. A pair was seen with Black-capped Chickadees at the kettle bog on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the September 30. Also try the Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: The fact that there were no birds reported last week was an apparent "call to arms", as we have been flooded with reports! There were four birds in the dead spruces at West Rose Lake on the September 29, Spruce Bog hosted a female bird on October 1, a single bird was at the Algonquin Art Centre on October 2, a single bird on the Opeongo Road on October 2, and there were a pair at Bat Lake Trail on October 3. 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. The Visitor Centre at km 43 of Highway 60 is open daily until October 28, 2012, and then weekends and holidays for the winter (see the Events Calendar for more details). At the centre you can find recent bird sightings, information, and helpful Park Staff to assist your birding efforts. 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/
