Last weekend produced about 5 cm of snow, and ice formed on small lakes and ponds. Now, the snow has mostly disappeared and some of the ice has melted due to rain and mild temperatures. All the larger lakes remain completely ice-free. The lack of snow and ice is unprecedented for this date during the last 45 years in the Park.
Notably late species for Algonquin were Hooded Merganser, Common Loon and Herring Gull on the 18th and American Black Duck on the 22nd. The Visitor Centre will be closed on December 24 to 26 (inclusive) and open daily from 9 am to 5 pm on December 27 to January 3 (inclusive). The seed and suet feeders are operational at the Visitor Centre. Birder reports were limited once again, but below is a little information: WINTER FINCHES: White-winged Crossbill: One was observed along Opeongo Road on the 18th. Pine Siskin: Some were noted along Bat Lake Trail, on Opeongo Road and near Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail. Evening Grosbeak: At the Visitor Centre feeders, there were four on the 18th and 29 on the 21st. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen along Opeongo Road on the 18th. Gray Jay: Seen again along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed, on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: This elusive species was noted along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed yesterday. Check the suet feeder at the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk to see if any have been attracted to it yet. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Happy Holidays and Good Birding in 2016! 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). In winter, the Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 4 pm. There is access to the exhibits and limited services (including light snacks, coffee and other drinks) on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) are available at the East Gate, West Gate and Visitor Centre. _______________________________________________ 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
