A revised update of my book, Birds of Algonquin Park, including new earliest and latest migration dates plus rarity records is now available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca/bap
Six Wild Turkeys are daily visitors to the Visitor Centre feeders, as is a Ruffed Grouse. Pine Martens are being seen at the bird seed people leave near the open gate on Opeongo Road, and in Mew Lake Campground. The Visitor Centre is open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, from December 27 to January 5. Opeongo Road is open and plowed right to the lake. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, in the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area, and in Mew Lake Campgrond. Boreal Chickadee: Five were observed on the rail bed between Arowhon Road and Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area on December 28, and one was seen there on December 30. One calling on Opeongo Road at Cameron Lake Road today was easily pished in for good views. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was along the rail bed between Arowhon Road and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area on December 29, and another was reported along Opeongo Road on December 30. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 20 are regular at the Visitor Centre, and some are being observed at other sites along the highway. Red Crossbill: Five were seen near km 33 on Highway 60 on January 1. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre and occasionally along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: Up to about 35 were regular at the Visitor Centre 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 during winter. However, the Visitor Centre will be OPEN daily from December 27 to January 5. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays in winter 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 then, as well as the use of a microwave. For more information see the Algonquin Park events calendar at: _______________________________________________ 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
