There were more signs of early spring this week as temperatures moderated somewhat. A starling at the Visitor Centre on March 2 was the first spring migrant. Gray Jay researchers had located eight nests under construction by today.
Inexplicably, the moose carcass placed in the Sunday Creek valley off the Visitor Centre deck has now gone three weeks without attracting mammals or birds. Perhaps there will be something to see during March Break (March 14 to 22), when the Visitor Centre and restaurant will be open daily (9 am to 5 pm). An American marten providing great views near the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk was a life sighting for some this week as they fed the Boreal Chickadees. Also, one or two martens are reported to be almost daily at the Visitor Centre feeders now, although not present all day. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was observed along the northern part of Opeongo Road today. Males should be doing occasional flutter flight displays soon, which may help in locating them. Black-backed Woodpecker: Reported twice this week on Opeongo Road. One of these woodpeckers was on a utility pole at km 52 on Highway 60 on February 27. Males may initiate nest cavity excavation during March, and utility poles are sometimes chosen. Watch for this woodpecker on these poles in black spruce areas. Gray Jay: Still being seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road (such as at the closed gate at Cameron Lake Road). Boreal Chickadee: Two were being observed at the closed gate on Opeongo Road and three were around the Spruce Bog Boardwalk suet feeder this week. Observers are again being thrilled by feeding Boreal Chickadees from the hand near the suet feeder. WINTER FINCHES: Common Redpoll: Numbers increased to 45 birds at the Visitor Centre feeders on March 2, but dropped back to about 15 by week's end. 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). 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
