Ruffed Grouse were often observed this week, including at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and the Visitor Centre.
A good variety of finch species continued to be seen, but often in low numbers away from sites where sunflower seed was available. A marten came to the Visitor Centre suet feeder today. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Singles were found at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 1st and along Opeongo Road north of the gate on the 2nd. Gray Jays: They were seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Boreal Chickadee: One was observed on Bat Lake Trail on the 28th, and two were noted along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 30th and 1st. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: One flying over was noted at the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 30th, and a male was at km 33 on Highway 60 on the 2nd. Purple Finch: Up to seven came daily to the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: One was reported along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 1st. White-winged Crossbill: On the 30th, one was calling in flight at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and two were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Common Redpoll: Small numbers were reported again this week at various locations. Pine Siskin: They remain widespread in very low numbers, but a few larger flocks were seen as well. American Goldfinch: One was at the Visitor Centre on the 1st. Evening Grosbeak: The 120 individuals coming to the Visitor Centre feeders at the beginning of the week had dropped to half that number by today, but they were still numerous enough to be impressive. Some were also at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the gate on Opeongo Road. 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
