Sunflower seed brought by visitors to Spruce Bog Boardwalk continues to attract numbers of Evening Grosbeaks and appreciative photographers. These birds are part of the large flock coming to the nearby Visitor Centre feeders.
Gray Jays are regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot and around the suet feeder near the trail register box, as well as in the vicinity of the locked gate on Opeongo Road. Eight Common Ravens were attracted to a carcass (likely a wolf-killed deer) on the ice of Brewer Lake today. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: This species continues to be present but in very low numbers. Single birds were heard along Arowhon Road and Opeongo Road on the 17th. Purple Finch: A few were noted in mixed finch flocks along the highway and some came to the Visitor Centre feeders, including 12 birds on the 18th. Common Redpoll: A few were reported in mixed finch flocks along the highway. Pine Siskin: Some were seen in mixed finch flocks along the highway. Observers on the 15th reported a total of 100 along the corridor. Evening Grosbeak: As many as 60 came to the Visitor Centre feeders this week, and up to half that flock are now also a daily occurrence at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. 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
