Rain on the weekend, followed by snow plus colder temperatures, were features this week that contributed to fewer bird reports. However, the dramatic winter scenery and some colourful finches were an attraction for those who did come to enjoy the Park.
Surprisingly, Boreal Chickadees are not regularly visiting the suet feeder near the register box at Spruce Bog Boardwalk yet. They have usually been attracted to it during the last four winters, and may still show up this year. Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Gray Jays are coming to the feeder, and readily take food from the hands of visitors. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road north of the locked gate. Black-backed Woodpecker One was observed along Opeongo Road on the 7th, and another was near the start of Big Pines Trail on the 8th. Gray Jay They were seen regularly at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee One was heard at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 7th, and a single bird was observed along Opeongo Road on the 8th. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak Four in a Balsam Fir were photographed along Opeongo Road on the 8th. Purple Finch Seven were reported on Opeongo Road on the 8th. This species is probably still fairly widespread in moderate numbers. Red Crossbill Two were seen along Opeongo Road on the 7th. . White-winged Crossbill Two were observed on Opeongo Road on the 8th. Common Redpoll No reports were received, but moderate numbers are undoubtedly still present. Pine Siskin Probably still the most numerous winter finch, but the only reports were 32 birds on Opeongo Road and three at the Visitor Centre, on the 8th. American Goldfinch Three were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 7th. The availability of Balsam Fir seeds is likely sustaining the small numbers here this winter. Evening Grosbeak Between 50 and 90 individuals were regular at the Visitor Centre feeders this week, allowing spectacular views. Sunflower seed provided on the ground across Highway 60 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk was also attracting some of the birds from this flock. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). 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 5 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
