RED-NECKED GREBE LAPLAND LONGSPUR WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL A Red-necked Grebe at the mouth of Costello Creek off the Opeongo Access Point and a Lapland Longspur at the Old Airfield, both on the 3rd, were noteworthy. Other Northerners heading southward this week included Northern Shrike, Horned Lark, American Pipit, Snow Bunting, and American Tree Sparrow. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Reports were from: the Opeongo Road; Spruce Bog Boardwalk (displaying male close to female near the register box on the 5th); and Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible by Arowhon Road). Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road; the Logging Museum parking lot; Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail. Boreal Chickadee: Reported from Opeongo Road in the black spruce area; and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail.. Black-backed Woodpecker: Seen at Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area. WINTER FINCHES: Very small numbers of a few species continued. Purple Finch: a few irregularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. White-winged Crossbill: one noted at the Old Airfield on the 3rd. American Goldfinch: reported at Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Mizzy Lake Trail. Evening Grosbeak: up to five at the Visitor Centre; and a few at the Mew Lake Campground entrance, this week.
MAMMALS: Moose: are being seen regularly along Highway 60, especially at dusk. Beaver: day-active individuals are at various ponds along the highway, and regularly at Eucalia Lake (km 39), west of Lookout Trail. Otter: two or three are regular at the mouth of Costello Creek off the Opeongo Access Point. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) 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 Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. 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 from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. For more information see the 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
