Birders should note that the Visitor Centre viewing deck and the feeders visible from it will be closed down for at least one week starting on Tuesday (February 16) due to ongoing refurbishing of the building. During this closure, a feeder will be operating in the Visitor Centre parking lot and it will likely attract the continuing Evening Grosbeaks.
A recently reported observation of a Belted Kingfisher along the open Madawaska River adjacent to the Wildlife Research Station Road (closed to public travel) on January 31 was noteworthy. Kingfishers rarely attempt to over-winter in Algonquin, and sightings this late in the winter are extremely rare. This bird is probably utilizing the open parts of the river adjacent to Mew Lake Campground as well. A Common Raven on the 6th along the Opeongo Road had what looked like an old songbird nest in its bill and may have been a very early individual engaged in relining its nest. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Three were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 6th. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was photographed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 6th, and one was along the highway near Mew Lake on the 11th. Gray Jays: They were seen regularly at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on Opeongo Road and along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Boreal Chickadee: One to three were noted regularly during the week along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Two were along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 5th, and four females were there on the 10th. Purple Finch: Small numbers were observed at: Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road. Red Crossbill: A road-killed male was photographed near the Visitor Centre entrance on the 6th, and a few were noted along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and the Visitor Centre driveway on the 10th. White-winged Crossbill: A male was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th. Common Redpoll: A few were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 10th. Pine Siskin: They were seen at various locations, with some observers reporting 200 or more in a day. American Goldfinch: One was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 6th. Evening Grosbeak: About 50 to 60 continued to utilize the Visitor Centre feeders this week, with a few of them occasionally taking seed provided by birders at Spruce Bog Boardwalk across the highway. 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
