NORTHERN HAWK OWL GREAT GRAY OWL Snow cover remains very light. See: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/algonquin-park-weathe r.php#snow
Smoke Lake is almost entirely open, and Canoe Lake and Lake of Two Rivers have only limited areas covered with ice. All other Highway 60 Corridor lakes are frozen. Apparently the same Northern Hawk Owl seen earlier this fall in the Costello Creek Bog on the east side of Opeongo Road, north of the bridge, was photographed there this afternoon. Observations of this bird have been irregular, unfortunately. It could not be relocated later today. Great Gray Owls were reported at three locations along Highway 60 this week: at km 19.5 on December 17; between km 22 and 23 on December 15 and today; and at km 32 today. Try looking for these owls near dawn and dusk. Again, re-finding them on subsequent days has been difficult. As in past winters, at least one Marten has started coming to the Visitor Centre feeders for suet and black sunflower seeds. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot on December 19. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: One was observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 13. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be seen regularly picking up grit along Highway 60. A few are coming to seed on the ground below the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: One was reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 13. Common Redpoll: A few were noted flying over along Highway 60. American Goldfinch: One was at the Visitor Centre feeder on December 19. Evening Grosbeak: Occasionally at the Visitor Centre feeders. 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 will be closed from December 22 to 26, but open 9 am to 5 pm daily from December 27 to January 6. It has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. 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/
