GREAT GRAY OWL HOARY REDPOLL The latest updates of my book, Birds of Algonquin Park, are available at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap
Continued observations of Great Gray Owls, and reports at new locations, may reflect increasing numbers. The owls appear to be doing well as they benefit from the very high small mammal populations in the Park recorded by researchers at the Wildlife Research Station last summer. Locations where Great Gray Owls were reported this week included: -February 15: one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway 60) -February 16: one on south side of Highway 60, just east of Rock Lake Turn (km 40.3) -February 16: one on utility wire at km 39 on Highway 60 -February 16: one near start of gated logging road at km 8 on Highway 60 -February 17: one on north side of Highway 60 at km 38 -February 18: one photographed along northern part of Opeongo Road -February 20: one seen at 8 am on north side of Highway 60 at km 38 -February 21: one seen at 8 am and 5 pm on north side of Highway 60 at km 38 Two pairs of Gray Jays storing nest material, despite the minus 30 degree C. temperature in early morning on February 17, were right on schedule in providing one of Algonquin's early signs of spring. Nests under construction in the Park have been observed mainly from late February to early April in Dan Strickland's ongoing study of 40+ years. The Black-capped Chickadee exhibiting pied leucism continues to be seen on Opeongo Road at Cameron Lake Road, near the open gate. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports received this week. Try the well-packed trails made by people searching the area north of the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the northern section of Opeongo Road where it passes through black spruce bog. Black-backed Woodpecker: Single birds were reported: near the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on February 15; near Costello Creek along the Opeongo Road on February 16; and at Track and Tower Trail on February 17. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: One or two are being seen regularly around the suet feeder near the trail register book on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. One was observed briefly at the entrance to that trail in the afternoon of February 16 by the 80 people who attended the Winter Festival bird walk. One was near the skating rink in Mew Lake Campground on February 20. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be regular on the highway. About ten are under the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days, including several adult males. Red Crossbill: The only report this week was of four at km 30 on the Basin Lake Road on February 14. This road is on the East Side and is accessible from Highway 58 at Bonnechere Provincial Park. White-winged Crossbill: The adult male that first appeared in early January is still coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. Five were reported at Track and Tower Trail on February 17. Common Redpoll: About 30-40 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. Hoary Redpoll: At least one bird of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) was reported at the Visitor Centre feeders on February 17, 18 and 21. American Goldfinch: Two reported at the Visitor Centre on February 16 were the first noted in several weeks. MOOSE CARCASS IN SUNDAY CREEK BOG One or two wolves at night or near dawn and numerous Common Ravens have consumed most of the moose now. Paste the following into your browser for details: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/2013/2013-02-14_feeding_on_ misfortunes.php CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 37 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/
