Despite the continued very cold temperatures this week, the breeding season is underway for two species. The first Gray Jay nest under construction was found on February 22, and a Common Raven carrying a stick in its bill seen today on Opeongo Road was nest-building. The average date of the first observation of ravens building or re-lining nests in Algonquin is March 5, so today's sighting was actually a little early.
Remarkably, the road-killed moose put out in the Sunday Creek valley opposite the Visitor Centre over two weeks ago has still not attracted any birds or mammals. Surely that will change soon. An American Marten spent much of the morning below the Visitor Centre feeders today, often listening intently for small mammals under the snow that are attracted to fallen seed. This marten has become a little more regular in its visits this week. Tomorrow (February 27) is Bird Feeder Friday in Algonquin Park. The Visitor Centre webcam will be pointed at the bird feeder from dawn until dusk. You can tune in to see at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/index.php BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: Birders should look and listen for this species in black spruce areas along Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Still being seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road (such as at the closed gate at Cameron Lake Road). Boreal Chickadee: One or two continued to be observed well at the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk this week. One was heard on Opeongo Road on February 21. The parking lot of the Algonquin Logging Museum is another site for this species; one was reported feeding from the hand along with Black-capped Chickadees there last week. WINTER FINCHES: Common Redpoll: Up to 25 birds are still coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. Hoary Redpoll: Three individuals continued to be seen at the Visitor Centre feeders on most days this week. 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 two birding workshops: The "Demystifying Algonquin Park Bird Song Workshop² will be held on May 30 & 31 and again on June 6 & 7, 2015. Join Lev Frid, Algonquin Park Naturalist and international birding tour leader, as you learn about bird song through this Experience Algonquin Workshop. For full details see: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/programs/special_events.php 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
