BALD EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE HORNED LARK There has been up to 8 cm of snow on the ground since Saturday, and smaller lakes and ponds are now ice-covered.
An adult Bald Eagle was tearing apart prey on the small rocky island in Lake of Two Rivers on November 25, and one was reported on Arowhon Road the same day. A juvenile Golden Eagle low over the north end of Opeongo Road provided a great view for one observer on November 25. A Horned Lark on the lawn of the Smoke Lake Hangar on November 27 was six days later than our previous latest date for this species. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was along Opeongo Road in the black spruce section on November 22. Black-backed Woodpecker: Two males were along Opeongo Road north of the bridge on November 27. Gray Jay: Best places continue to be Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Two were noted 300 metres beyond the chain gate along the railway to Wolf Howl Pond on November 22. The northern black spruce section of Opeongo Road produced four, and one was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on November 27. WINTER FINCHES: Numbers are relatively low, with few being attracted to the highway even after fresh sanding and salting. Pine Grosbeak: Two birders noted a total of 18 on the Arowhon and Opeongo Roads on November 27. One or two are fairly regular now feeding on seed on the ground below the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: Noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 27. White-winged Crossbill: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 27. Common Redpoll: Reported at West Rose Lake on November 27, and one small flock was on Highway 60 today. Evening Grosbeak: From one to three were fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial 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 in winter 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. 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/ 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/
