NORTHERN HAWK OWL GREAT GRAY OWL The Northern Hawk Owl that has been seen very irregularly in Costello Creek Bog on the east side of Opeongo Road since November was reported on January 12, 13 and 14. It was perched atop a tall spruce near the sharp turn at the north end of the road and was being mobbed by Gray Jays on January 13.
One or two Great Gray Owls continue to be reported almost daily, but the times and locations vary and persistence is usually required to find one. Reports this week included: -January 12: one along Opeongo Road -January 12: one in the bog near Post 7 on the Big Pines Trail (km 40.3) -January 13: one near km 24 -January 13: one that captured and ate a star-nosed mole between km 43 and 44 -January 14: one between Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Visitor Centre -January 14: one on the west side of Opeongo Road, 1 km north of Costello Creek picnic area -January 15: one between Lookout Trail and Rock Lake Road (km 40) -January 16: one near Post 4 on the Algonquin Logging Museum Trail (km 54.5) The leucistic Black-capped Chickadee first seen last winter at the junction of Opeongo Road and the Cameron Lake Road was photographed there on January 13. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Look and listen for them along Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: One was at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance on January 14. Check the feeder area near the register box. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be regular on the highway. A few are under the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days. Red Crossbill: Best chance to see this species continues to be watching for small groups attracted to the highway for grit. White-winged Crossbill: A male is still comihg regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: Small numbers are at the Visitor Centre feeders, regularly, perhaps reflecting tree seed depletion. Nineteen were counted at the feeders on January 14. MAMMALS: A few Moose are being seen every day along Highway 60. They may be moving around more than usual at this time of year due to less snow depth. Martens are being seen frequently in Mew Lake Campground and irregularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow cover has been reduced to about 18 cm following the thaw. 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 is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well. The Visitor Centre 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/
