TUNDRA SWAN GOLDEN EAGLE NORTHERN HAWK OWL GREAT GRAY OWL NORTHERN SHRIKE AMERICAN PIPIT BOHEMIAN WAXWING NORTHERN CARDINAL
A Tundra Swan was photographed on Galeairy Lake on November 20. It flew into Mud Bay of that lake at one point and was then in the Park. This is only the fourth fall record of this swan for Algonquin. See: www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/algonquin_park_birding_report.php A Golden Eagle was seen high over the Lake Opeongo Access Point on November 21. Ring-billed Gulls still lingering at the Opeongo Access Point dock numbered 17 on November 19 and 13 on November 21. A Northern Hawk Owl was seen in the Costello Creek Bog bordering Opeongo Road from at least November 17 to 19. The owl was observed just beyond the bridge and farther north a little before the road reaches Lake Opeongo. Searchers reporting on November 20 and 21 did not observe this owl. A Great Gray Owl was reported at West Rose Lake during the morning of November 18. It was not found subsequently. Single Northern Shrikes were at the Old Airfield on November 18, and at West Rose Lake and near the West Gate on November 21. An American Pipit calling in flight over the Old Airfield on November 18 was record late for Algonquin Park by 11 days, probably reflecting the very mild conditions this week. A Bohemian Waxwing was noted along Opeongo Road on November 19. A female Northern Cardinal was at the East Gate on November 17. Northern Specialties: Spruce Grouse: Noted at 2.7 km up Arowhon Road, Wolf Howl Pond, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Seen at West Rose Lake, along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road and at Opeongo Access Point. Gray Jay: Regular at Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Observed along Opeongo Road in the black spruce section and about 100 m south of the Opeongo Access Point, and in the border of the Old Airfield. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: Reported on Arowhon Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road. Occasional flyovers and on road all along Highway 60. Red Crossbill: Observed along Opeongo Road on November 18 and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 21. White-winged Crossbill: Noted flying over fairly regularly at various locations, including Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Common Redpoll: A few reports, including along Opeongo Road on November 18. Evening Grosbeak: Fewer than earlier in the month. Two were at the Visitor Centre feeders on November 22. Mammals: Otter: As many as 8 together were fairly regular this week at Opeongo Access Point or along Costello Creek on the east side of the north end of Opeongo Road. Beaver: For those who stay in their vehicle, there is a great opportunity to see and photograph beavers up close as they work on their food pile at the east end of small Eos Lake (km 43.8 on Highway 60). 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 viewbirds and the exhibits is usually possible on weekdays. At the Visitor 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/
