New arrivals reported this week were: American Black Duck, Blue-winged Teal (photo), Hooded Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture., Red-tailed Hawk, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco and Brown-headed Cowbird. Several of these were a week or more later than the average arrival date.
A Nocturnal Owl Survey on the 9th encountered calling Northern Saw-whet Owls at km 0 (West Gate), 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18; Barred Owls at km 8 and 18; and howling wolves at Tea Lake Campground and Smoke Lake. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A displaying male was seen near the register book along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th. Black-backed Woodpecker: A female was observed, and another bird was heard calling and drumming, near the register book along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th. Gray Jay: Reported on Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: A few were seen at the Visitor Centre feeders and along the highway. Red Crossbill: Small groups were reported this week at: km 10, km 30, east of Pog Lake, and the Logging Museum entrance. White-winged Crossbill: A small flock was heard over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th. Pine Siskin: One was with a small flock of goldfinches along the highway at Canisbay Creek on the 7th. American Goldfinch: A few were at the Visitor Centre feeders. Evening Grosbeak: About 20 were at the Visitor Centre feeders by the end of the 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 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
