GREAT GRAY OWL GREATER COMMON REDPOLL HOARY REDPOLL New spring arrivals this week included: Canada Goose and Hooded Merganser (March 25); American Black Duck and Great Blue Heron (March 26).
Great Gray Owl reports along Highway 60 were: -March 21, one between East Gate and East Boundary -March 23, one near the East Gate -March 26, one at km 15 -March 27, one (photo) at km 13.5 BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was along Opeongo Road on March 25. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Up to three are still being seen regularly around the suet feeder near the trail register book on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. At least one of them will take seed from the hand. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: One was still coming to the Visitor Centre feeders today. Red Crossbill: An experienced observer reported a total of 200 along the Barron Canyon Road on the Park's East Side, including 100+ at Lake Travers, on March 25. Many pairs and singing males were noted. Common Redpoll: Up to about 60 are at the Visitor Centre feeders regularly. At least two Greater Common Redpolls (rostrata) have been seen this week. Hoary Redpoll: One or two of the "Southern" subspecies (exilipes) were still at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Evening Grosbeak: Two males at the Visitor Centre feeders on March 22 were the first of this species here since late December, and were likely birds returning from the major southward irruptive flight this winter. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 35 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/
