GREAT GRAY OWL "GREATER" COMMON REDPOLL "SOUTHERN" HOARY REDPOLL
Single Great Gray Owls were observed at three locations this week, but there were no follow-up sightings reported at those sites. It continues to be difficult to find this species here on any given day. -January 26: one photographed late in the day at Brewer Lake (km 48) -January 27: one seen at 2:15 pm on Opeongo Road, 2 km north of the open gate -January 29: one photographed on telephone cable about 9 am at km 38 BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 26. Black-backed Woodpecker: Five single birds were seen or heard along the Opeongo Road on January 26. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were reported at both Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road on January 26. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be regular on the highway. Up to a dozen are under the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days. Red Crossbill: Three were reported at the Visitor Centre on January 26. White-winged Crossbill: A male is still coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: About 30 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. One identified as a "Greater" Common Redpoll (rostrata subspecies) was photographed there on January 26, and seen on subsequent days. Hoary Redpoll: An apparent female of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) was photographed at the Visitor Centre on January 26, but was not reported on following days. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth reached 45 cm earlier in the week but much melted later. See: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-snow To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-winter 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/
