GREAT GRAY OWL There is now about 6 cm of snow on the ground, and all lakes along Highway 60 except Canoe, Smoke and Two Rivers are ice-covered.
A Great Gray Owl was seen from about km 36 to 37 along Highway 60 on December 11 and 12 , but was not reported today. Observers have been unable to relocate the Northern Hawk Owl that was last seen along Opeongo Road on December 3. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Opeongo Road and Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was 300 metres north of the bridge on Opeongo Road on December 7. Gray Jay: Regular at Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Two are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road and Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: They are being seen regularly along Highway 60, such as a total of 46 at nine locations between the West Gate and the Visitor Centre on December 9. A few are coming to seed on the ground below the Visitor Centre feeders daily. Red Crossbill: Two were heard calling in flight over the Visitor Centre on December 4. White-winged Crossbill: Two were observed on Opeongo Road on December 7. Common Redpoll: A few were reported along Highway 60. American Goldfinch: Two came to the Visitor Centre feeder on December 7 but did not return, probably indicative of the continued movement of finches. Evening Grosbeak: Two were irregularly 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/
