The seven Wild Turkeys regularly frequenting the Visitor Centre feeders earlier in the winter have diminished to one now. The reduction may be due to dispersal, predation and/or starvation. A few are still being seen along the highway also, far from feeders. The deep snow and cold temperatures this year have likely been hard on this species here. By 2002, turkeys had spread into Algonquin from nearby populations derived from re-introduced birds. The original southern Ontario range of the Wild Turkey did not extend northward to Algonquin Park.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road (accessible by vehicle only to the locked gate). Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. One was noted at Spruce Bog on February 1. Black-backed Woodpecker: On January 31, one was observed on a dead conifer near the Beaver Ponds area close to Heron Lake on the Ridge section of Fen Lake Ski Trail, and another was seen on a dead hemlock near Dizzy Lake on the Mizzy Lake Trail. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Up to 20 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, and small flocks were occasionally observed along Highway 60. White-winged Crossbill: Four flew over the Visitor Centre on February 2. American Goldfinch: One is regular at the Visitor Centre, and a few were seen along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: About 35 were regular at the Visitor Centre feeders this week, especially 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 during winter. 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: 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
