Hello birders, Lakes have opened up in Algonquin Park and all but the most shaded areas are free of snow. Winds from the south have facilitated the arrival of several new spring migrants, including Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and 15 warbler species, all now with singing males on territories, with the exception of Orange-crowned, which was a rare spring passage migrant on the 13th. Leaf out has barely started so it is easy and rewarding to observe these birds on territory while the bugs aren't bad yet. Olive-sided Flycatcher and Cedar Waxwing were decidedly early this week.
Two Brown Thrashers were at the Old Airfield at Lake of Two Rivers on the 12th, an increasingly rare bird for Algonquin Park. When it rains overnight, ducks migrating over Algonquin's nutrient-poor lakes are often forced down, and cold and wet birders may observe them on large water bodies such as Lake of Two Rivers. On the 14th, present there were White-winged Scoter, Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Ruddy Duck (only the second park record if accepted) and a Bonaparte's Gull. Unfortunately they only stop for a few hours before continuing north, and nothing was present this morning. A large flock of White-winged Scoter was also present on the 14th at Grand Lake on the Park's East Side. Evening Grosbeaks continue to be seen throughout the highway, frequently in pairs and taking sand from the tires of cars in the Visitor Centre parking lot in the morning. Red Crossbills were heard overhead Kearney Campground on the 12th and Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 13th. White-winged Crossbills were heard at West Rose Lake on the 13th as well. Northern Saw-whet Owls are still vocal and can be heard at a variety of spots mostly west of Km 20, where one was heard last night. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A male has been seen on and off this week on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, mostly in the mornings. A female was flushed from there this afternoon. Gray Jay: These are now attending young and are quite shy. Two birds were at the Arowhon Crossroads yesterday, and two more at West Rose Lake on the same day. Black-backed Woodpecker: One female was seen on the Logging Museum trail on the 13th, and one was at West Rose Lake yesterday. Boreal Chickadee: None have been reported this week, but they are out there. Check the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. MAMMALS: Moose are now common along the highway, especially in the morning, so take caution and make sure to pull all the way off the road if you are going to observe them. Otters were seen on West Rose Lake yesterday. The Visitor Centre (at km 43 of Highway 60) has recent bird sightings and information, plus exhibits, bookstore and nature shop, and a restaurant. The Visitor Centre is open 9am to 5pm daily starting April 26, 2014. For more information see the Algonquin Park events calendar at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ Birders reporting records through eBird can share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). We encourage you to do so. Or please send us any bird sightings you've had in the Park, even of common birds, as they assist us in documenting Algonquin Park's bird life. Good Birding! Lev Frid Algonquin Park, Ontario DIRECTIONS: Algonquin 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, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ 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 Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
