Real winter arrived in the Park earlier in the week, with more snow and very cold temperatures for the date. Lake of Two Rivers became completely ice-covered on Friday (November 29), the second earliest date since record-keeping was started in 1972. The earliest date for total ice cover on this lake was 28 November 1995 and the latest was 27 December 2001 and 2006. Mild temperatures and melting of snow occurred today but most of the lakes are still ice-covered.
The Visitor Centre feeders continued to host Ruffed Grouse (female), Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, and Evening Grosbeak. A flock of 14 Wild Turkeys was photographed at Lookout Trail parking lot on the 2nd. A Northern Shrike was at Mew Lake on the 4th. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road 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 continued at the Visitor Centre feeder. White-winged Crossbill: Three at km 4 and about six at km 24 were reported on the 28th. Several small flocks were along Highway 60 between Madawaska and Whitney (east of Algonquin Park) on the same day. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre feeder, and small flocks are being seen getting salt and grit along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 23 have been seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeder this week, especially early in the morning. 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
