Algonquin has at least 15 cm of snow on the ground now. Small lakes and ponds are ice-covered. However, the larger lakes are still wide open, with ice forming only along the shorelines and in shallow bays. Records of the date of the first total ice cover on Lake of Two Rivers back to 1972 show the previous latest date was December 27 (in 2001 and 2006). The new record will likely be several days into January. Despite this unprecedented presence of extensive open water, there were no reports of water birds this week.
The Visitor Centre is open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, from December 27 to January 3 (inclusive). The seed and suet feeders are operational at the Visitor Centre. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: One was calling in flight at West Rose Lake on the 26th, and there were five at Sims Pit on the Arowhon Road today. Purple Finch: A few were noted this week at the Visitor Centre, Pinetree Lake Portage and along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Common Redpoll: Sightings in low numbers were regular throughout the Highway 60 Corridor. Some flocks contained Pine Siskins as well. HOARY REDPOLL: One was seen in a large flock of Common Redpolls on Arowhon Road on the 26th. Pine Siskin: Small flocks were observed throughout the Highway 60 Corridor this week. Evening Grosbeak: Flocks of up to 34 birds were seen daily this week at the Visitor Centre feeders. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Two were seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 24th. Black-backed Woodpecker: On the 26th, one was near Wolf Howl Pond, another was on Arowhon Road south of the rail bed, and two were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. 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: Two were seen and heard near Wolf Howl Pond and two were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on the 26th. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). 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
