The female Mallard that had been in small areas of flowing water at the outlet of Park Lake since December 9 was last seen on Thursday (January 29). Predation appears to be the most likely reason for its disappearance.
Two Ruffed Grouse continue to come to get seed below the Visitor Centre feeders. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Birders searching for Spruce Grouse and Black-backed Woodpecker this week reported no success. Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road are still the best places to try. Gray Jay: Still being seen at the Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road (such as at the closed gate closed at Cameron Lake Road). Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on at least four days this week. They are visiting the suet feeder near the register box not far from the entrance of the trail. One or two were also noted along the Bat Lake Trail this week. WINTER FINCHES: White-winged Crossbill: Six were observed at Spruce Bob Boardwalk on February 1. This was the first report since January 4. Common Redpoll: Up to fifteen were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Hoary Redpoll: Three continued at the Visitor Centre feeders for most of the week, with one reported still there today. 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
