Algonquin Park now has shallow snow cover (less than 10 cm), and all small lakes and ponds are ice-covered. Larger lakes are developing ice in bays but are mainly open. Most water-oriented birds have departed, but there was a Common Loon on Lake of Two Rivers today.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road) and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, the Wolf Howl Pond section of Mizzy Lake Trail, and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: No reports. Try Spruce Bog and the Wolf Howl Pond area. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Try Opeongo Road. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers are regular at the Visitor Centre feeder. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre feeder, and some are being seen getting salt and grit along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 19 have been seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeder this week. 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
