GREAT GRAY OWL Great Gray Owls were reported at five locations along Highway 60 this week. Given the distances between these sites, it is probable that six individuals were involved. We received no reports on December 26 or today, although some observers were looking for them.
Locations and Dates: -one flushed from the highway east of Cache Lake (near km 25): December 23 -one just east of Lake of Two Rivers (km 35.3): December 21 -two near the Centennial Ridges Road turn (km 38): December 23 -one photographed just west of Ring-neck Pond (km 41): December 24 -one at Opeongo Road turn (km 46.3): December 24 and 25 BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was photographed near the gate on Opeongo Road on December 23. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: No reports. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the north end of Opeongo Road where it passes through black spruce bog. 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: Occasional small flocks were seen picking up grit and salt on Highway 60. Common Redpoll: A few mall flocks were noted along Highway 60. About six were coming to the Visitor Centre feeders today. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow cover has reached 20 to 25 cm. See: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/algonquin-park-weathe r.php#snow Ice: Both Lake of Two Rivers and Smoke Lake froze over during the night of December 25-26 and so all lakes along Highway 60 are now ice-covered. To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/winter-in-algonquin-p ark.php 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 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 _______________________________________________ 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/
