GREAT GRAY OWL HOARY REDPOLL Extensive deep snow cover and very limited open water continue this week. Timing of the arrival of migrants appears to be about average for the last two decades. For 26 species seen so far, if we compare their arrival dates to the average, 13 were earlier, 3 were right on, and 10 were later. Most of the earlier arrivals were in March and most later arrivals have been in April.
First-of-spring records this week included: -Mallard (April 11): Canisbay Creek -Common Loon (April 6): Lake of Two Rivers (small patch of open water at Madawaska River mouth) -Northern Harrier (April 3): km 25 -Sharp-shinned Hawk (April 6): Spruce Bog Boardwalk -Golden Eagle (April 6): over Visitor Centre -American Woodcock (April 8): km 26 -Winter Wren (April 10): Whitefish Lake -Brown-headed Cowbird (April 7): Visitor Centre -Song Sparrow (April 9): Visitor Centre Great Gray Owl reports along Highway 60 this week were: -April 6, one on telephone cable at km 10.5 all day. -April 8, one on wire at km 15 Northern Shrikes returning to the northern breeding range were at km 38 on April 5 and 6, at Brewer Lake on April 6, and at km 19 on April 10. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One reported along Opeongo Road on April 6. Black-backed Woodpecker: On April 6, there was one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, one on Opeongo Road, and a pair at km 53. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: At least one continues to be seen near the suet feeder at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. There have been regular reports along Opeongo Road as well. WINTER FINCHES: Common Redpoll: About 30 are at the Visitor Centre regularly. Hoary Redpoll: Two were attracted to seed on the ground below the feeders (now shut down for the season) at the Visitor Centre today. Birders reporting records through eBird can now share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). We encourage you to do so. Good Birding! Ron Tozer Dwight, ON 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 and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well. 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/ _______________________________________________ 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/
