Additional signs of impending spring were detected this week, amid the continuing spectacular winter conditions and scenery.
The first Gray Jay nest-construction activity observed in the Park this year was on the 19th. Data from Dan Strickland's 45-year Gray Jay research project in Algonquin show the average first date of nest-building was February 19 over the last ten years, ranging from February 14 (2010) to 28 (2009). Courtship-feeding by a pair of Pine Siskins at a feeder near Oxtongue Lake (west of the Park) on the 22nd indicated the onset of nesting may soon occur in that species. The earliest ever observation of Pine Siskin nest-building in Algonquin was on March 20 (1990). Construction work continues at the Visitor Centre and so the viewing deck and adjacent feeders are still closed down. In the interim, a feeder in the parking lot is attracting lots of finches and allowing close-up viewing. More birds come to the feeder during the morning than in the afternoon. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: No reports received again this week. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road north and the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Black-backed Woodpecker: Single birds were noted at the Algonquin Logging Museum Pond on the 19th and along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 23rd. Gray Jays: They are still regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on Opeongo Road and along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. Boreal Chickadee: Birders are reporting increased vocalizing by this species which is aiding in locating these birds. The Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed produced two on the 21st and four on the 22nd. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: Four were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 18th and 21st. Six were on the highway at the Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Area on the 19th. Purple Finch: A few were noted at the Visitor Centre feeders, Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Red Crossbill: Three were observed at km 24 along Highway 60 on the 22nd. Common Redpoll: Small numbers were seen along the km 8 logging road, Arowhon Road and Opeongo Road. There were two groups totalling 15 birds along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 21st. Pine Siskin: Still the most widespread and frequently-observed finch, but not overly numerous. Typically, observers are seeing several small flocks during a day of birding. For example, walking along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed produced 40 to 60 siskins this week. Evening Grosbeak: There were 40 to 50 at the Visitor Centre feeders every day this week. A few were also noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 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
