SNOW GOOSE GOLDEN EAGLE BOHEMIAN WAXWING NORTHERN CARDINAL There was a flock of about 100 Snow Geese (80 blue and 20 white) over Scorch Lake in the southern panhandle on November 5.
An immature Golden Eagle was observed at Lostwater Lake (also in the panhandle) on November 6. There were six adult Ring-billed Gulls still lingering at the Opeongo Access Point dock on November 15, a remnant of up to 100 regularly there this fall. This gull does not breed in Algonquin Park but significant numbers come to Lake Opeongo every fall. Best sites to look for Algonquin's boreal specialties are the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area of Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. A male Black-backed Woodpecker was at the entrance of Tea Lake Campground on November 13. A Boreal Chickadee was observed along Arowhon Road on November 11. A Northern Shrike was noted at Whitefish Lake on November 11. There were 25 Bohemian Waxwings at the Visitor Centre on November 9, and some were heard there on November 15. A female Northern Cardinal was at the Visitor Centre from November 11 to 14, and a male joined it there on November 13, as the record-high number of sightings in Algonquin this fall continues to rise. Dispersing cardinals tend to linger here only briefly, even when they find rare well-stocked feeders in a vast expanse of unsuitable Canadian Shield habitat. Pine Grosbeaks have become regular and increasingly numerous since their widespread arrival here last week. Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and American Goldfinch were also reported. Few Evening Grosbeak sightings this week may suggest that most have moved through this area. The Visitor Centre at km 43 on Highway 60 is officially open only on weekends and holidays for the winter (9 am to 5 pm). However, access to view birds and the exhibits is usually possible on weekdays. At the centre you can find recent bird sightings, information, and helpful Park Staff to assist your birding efforts. 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. Please send us your bird sightings in the Park, as we continue to monitor the autumn migration. 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! Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario _______________________________________________ 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/
