GOLDEN EAGLE GREAT GRAY OWL "GREATER" COMMON REDPOLL "SOUTHERN" HOARY REDPOLL
A Golden Eagle (2nd year or older) was soaring over the Visitor Centre in late morning on February 6. A few Golden Eagles that are probably from northern Quebec and Labrador regularly spend the winter in Algonquin, feeding mainly on wolf kills. Great Gray Owls were seen at two locations, but without follow-up sightings. -February 3: one reported at km 38.1 -February 3: one seen at 1 pm along Opeongo Road The leucistic Black-capped Chickadee first reported last winter is still being seen on Opeongo Road at Cameron Lake Road, near the open gate. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Four were observed near the north end of Opeongo Rad on February 4. Two adult males were eating needles in trees near the register box at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 6. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was along Opeongo Road past the bridge on February 1. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Spruce Bog Boardwalk observations included one on February 1 and two on February 3. Look for this species around the suet feeder near the trail register book. There were two along Opeongo Road on February 4. 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, including several adult males. White-winged Crossbill: The male is still coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: About 40-50 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. The apparent "Greater" Common Redpoll (rostrata subspecies) was last reported on February 3. Hoary Redpoll: The female of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) at the Visitor Centre feeders was last reported on February 4. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 25 cm. 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! Please let us know what you see. 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/
