NORTHERN HAWK OWL GREAT GRAY OWL Observations of Wild Turkeys, each involving two birds, occurred along the north shore of Lake of Two Rivers (December 29); at km 17 and at the West Gate (December 31); and near Found Lake (today). These birds are living off the snow-covered land without human assistance. The species was first observed in the Park in 2002.
A Red-tailed Hawk (rare in winter here) was between km 51 and 56 on December 29. The usually hard-to-find but long-present Northern Hawk Owl was photographed in the Costello Creek Bog on the east side of Opeongo Road, north of the bridge on December 29. It was not visible from Opeongo Road. Great Gray Owls were reported at five places in the Highway 60 Corridor again this week. Locations and dates were: -one at Eucalia Lake (km 39): December 29 -one near Ring-neck Pond (km 41): December 31 -one at Opeongo Road turn (km 46.3): December 27 and 29 -one north of the bridge on Opeongo Road: December 29 and 30 and January 1, 2 and 3 -one near the East Boundary: December 28 and 29 A single Snow Bunting visited the Visitor Centre feeders today. This species is very scarce here in winter due to the scarcity of open areas for foraging. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Search in coniferous areas. Sixteen were found on the December 29th CBC. One was along Opeongo Road on December 31. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: 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 regular on the highway. A few are regular under the feeders at the Visitor Centre. Red Crossbill: Watch for a few on the highway. White-winged Crossbill: Small numbers persist. A male came to the Visitor Centre feeders yesterday and today. Common Redpoll: Present in small numbers. Two or three are irregularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. American Goldfinch: Also present in small numbers. Evening Grosbeak: Rare. Only six on the December 29th CBC. MAMMALS: A Marten is coming to the Visitor Centre feeders fairly regularly now. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow cover has reached a maximum of about 35 cm. See:http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/algonquin-park-we ather.php#snow 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/
