Reports of new arrivals this week were limited to Herring Gull and Red-winged Blackbird.
A Pine Marten was observed at the Visitor Centre on the 22nd and 23rd, but seeing it again may be difficult since its visits are relatively brief. Tomorrow (Friday, March 28), you will be able to watch live streaming video of the Visitor Centre bird feeders via the Algonquin Park Webcam at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php Information about Algonquin Park birding workshops is presented below, with permission of the Ontbirds coordinator. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Males have started to display. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was excavating a fairly deep cavity in a dead tree about 150 metres south of the foot bridge at West Rose Lake along the Mizzy Lake Trail on the 21st. Many of these cavities created in March and early April will be abandoned later. Most nest cavities of this woodpecker that get used are excavated from mid April to mid May. Gray Jay: Continue to be seen on Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail. Females are now incubating eggs in most of the 24 nests found by researchers this year. Boreal Chickadee: One was observed along the old railway bed section of Mizzy Lake Trail on the 21st; and two were at the suet cage opposite the trail register on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 26th, allowing great photo opportunities. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: About 20 were at the Visitor Centre feeders and others were seen along the highway this week. Some males are in full song. Red Crossbill: One was seen on Opeongo Road and two were along the highway, on the 21st. White-winged Crossbill: Two streaked independent juveniles were along the old railway bed section of Mizzy Lake Trail on the 21st. These birds were likely hatched far from Algonquin. The "winter breeding period" (January to March) of the White-winged Crossbill is associated with abundant white spruce cones (acc. to Benkman). Pine Siskin: A single bird was observed along Opeongo Road on the 21st. American Goldfinch: Small numbers continue to be seen, at the Visitor Centre feeders and along the highway. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 30 were 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). The Friends of Algonquin Park is offering birding workshops as part of its Experience Algonquin Workshop Series: The "Demystifying Algonquin Park Bird Song Workshop² will be held on May 31/June 1, 2014. Through indoor and field excursions, discover the techniques necessary to identify birds and their songs, comparing similar songsters, and learn how to use today¹s advanced technology to assist in making an identification. Pre-registration is required. For more information see: http://tinyurl.com/apbirdsong The "Identifying Confusing Fall Warblers Workshop² will take place on August 23/24, 2014. Algonquin Park¹s many warbler species often appear very similar and can overwhelm birders when found in large multi-species flocks. Participate in an indoor session to learn techniques to separate confusing fall warblers and then spend the remainder of the workshop using your newly acquired skills in Algonquin Park's best birding areas to identify these fall migrants. Pre-registration is required. For more information see: http://tinyurl.com/apfallwarblers 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 exhibits 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 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
