Algonquin's version of Duck Dynasty continued with the female Mallard remaining at the Park Lake outlet all week. A Northern Shrike was seen at the Visitor Centre on January 4 and 6. Barred Owls responded to vocal imitations near Jake Lake, at the Highland Backpacking Trail entrance, along the Highland Backpacking Trail and at the east end of Lake of Two Rivers during the day on the Christmas Count of January 3.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was noted along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 3. Black-backed Woodpecker: Single birds were observed on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, in Sunday Creek Bog below the Visitor Centre, on Opeongo Road, and along the Highland Backpacking Trail on January 3. Gray Jay: Seen at the Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and Mew Lake Campground. Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were fairly regular around the suet feeder near the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and the species was seen along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road, this week. WINTER FINCHES: White-winged Crossbill: Two were reported at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 4. Common Redpoll: Up to twelve were regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. Hoary Redpoll: The female continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeders all week. Pine Siskin: One was heard calling in flight over Lookout Trail on December 31. American Goldfinch: Only one was observed on the Algonquin CBC (January 3). 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. 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 _______________________________________________ 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
