TRUMPETER SWAN PEREGRINE NELSON'S SPARROW LE CONTE'S SPARROW Orange-crowned Warbler Blackpoll Warbler
Hello folks, It is October so we are going to start these up again as this is the time sought-after birds are appearing in Algonquin and the resident specialty birds are also easier to observe. Warblers have largely departed Algonquin but flocks of Yellow-rumped Warblers persist in many areas, with most large ones containing an Orange-crowned Warbler or two. It seems to have been a good year for that species and Blackpoll Warbler, also being reported this week, usually a scare migrant here. Sparrows are making a good showing with White-crowned Sparrows invading the park in numbers this week. Both Nelson's and Le Conte's Sparrows have already been observed and this following week should be very good for birders wishing to locate them. Le Conte's was in the long grass the east end of the Old Airfield on the 26th, and two Nelson's were in the Lake Travers Marsh on the East Side also on Sept 26th (a new early record). Their numbers should increase. Remarkably, two Trumpeter Swans were observed in the Lake Travers Marsh on Sept 26th, a very rare bird for Algonquin. Yesterday, Sept. 30th, was a good day for raptor migration and two hours of watching from the viewing deck at the Visitor Centre produced two Peregrines and a total of six Bald Eagles amongst a smattering of Red-tails. Many folks including a large international bus group got to observe Bald Eagles over the gorgeous autumn landscape. Today was a modest flight compared to yesterday but Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks were certainly on the move. SPRUCE GROUSE: One was seen today at the Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail register and yesterday birds were seen on the Opeongo Road. Both are excellent places to look, especially early in the morning. Males have been displaying. GRAY JAY: Birds were reported from the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail, the Opeongo Road and the Logging Museum. They are now readily approaching people. BOREAL CHICKADEE: The most reliable location for these this week was the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail and a bird was heard at Opeongo Road yesterday. They are quite vocal in the mixed flocks now. BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER: A bird was seen on Sept. 27 on Opeongo Road. The north end of Mizzy Lake Trail is also a good place to check. MAMMALS: Moose have been scarce lately but a cow with a calf is somewhat regular near km 20. An Eastern Wolf was seen early this morning running across the highway near the East Gate. Algonquin Provincial Park is located 3 hours north of Toronto via Hw 400, 11 and 60. It's also about three hours from Ottawa via Hw 60. Directions to each individual location mentioned above can be found in the park tabloid available at either gate, and also on www.algonquinpark.on.ca where recent birding, mammal viewing and fall colour updates will be posted. Please send your observations to Ron Tozer or myself, and share your ebird observations with Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Cheers and Good Birding!! Lev Frid Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park _______________________________________________ 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
