More birders this week resulted in more sightings. Eagles put in an appearance, with a Golden Eagle photographed soaring over km 26 on the 23rd and a Bald Eagle perched at the West Gate on the 27th. Ruffed Grouse were seen regularly along the Visitor Centre driveway and at least one was at its feeders.
Evening Grosbeaks continued to put on a tremendous show that for many birders has not been experienced for decades. Rather than splitting up between sunflower seed on the ground at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Visitor Centre feeders as they have recently, the main concentration today was at the Visitor Centre and peaked at about 120 birds. This colourful, swirling mass with constant loud calling was indeed impressive. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Two males were spotted in a spruce near the start of the trail at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 21st, frustrating news for those who have searched unsuccessfully there in recent days. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed at campsites 71 and 72 in Mew Lake Campground on the 24th. Gray Jays: They continue to be seen regularly at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and near the locked gate and north of there on Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Two were reported from Arowhon Road on the 24th, probably from along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: There was an upswing in numbers observed this week, perhaps mainly because more birders were looking. A dozen were getting grit on the road in Mew Lake Campground on the 21st, and there were five on Arowhon Road plus three at km 36 on Highway 60 on the 24th. Purple Finch: A half dozen are coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeders, and others can be seen occasionally along the highway. White-winged Crossbill: The small numbers detected on the Christmas Count are likely persisting. This species was reported along the Leaf Lake Ski Trail on the 23rd, without details about how many. Common Redpoll: Some continue to be seen along the highway, with a total of 75 reported by two birders between the west boundary and the West Gate on the 21st. HOARY REDPOLL: One was observed along Opeongo Road, north of the gate, on the 27th. Pine Siskin: This finch is still being seen regularly, often in small flocks. However, a flock of 100 in the treetops was noted at km 51 on the 22nd. American Goldfinch: Two were at the Visitor Centre on the 27th. Evening Grosbeak: Good numbers continue at the Visitor Centre and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. A few are also being attracted to sunflower seed provided by birders near the Opeongo Road gate. 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
