We are experiencing the "in-between" season now. The arrival of the first migrant species (single American Crows in Mew Lake Campground and at the West Gate on the 28th) awakened thoughts of spring, but getting 25 cm more snow and a night-time temperature of 30 degrees below C. by week's end put that fantasy into perspective. There is still time to head up to Algonquin to view the spectacular winter scenery and see some winter finches..
Construction work continues at the Visitor Centre, but visitors can now access the south end of the viewing deck, and both suet and seed feeders are operational in the area below that section. The feeder in the Visitor Centre parking lot is still attracting plenty of finches as well. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: One was seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail on the 27th. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports this week. Listen for this woodpecker calling and drumming in black spruce bog areas. Gray Jays: They are still regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on Opeongo Road and along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed. The Gray Jay research team has now located nests under construction of five pairs in the Highway 60 Corridor. Boreal Chickadee: The Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed produced two on the 26th and three on the 27th. Two were noted on Opeongo Road on March 1. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: On the 28th, four were found on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and three were on the highway at km 25. Eight were seen in the Lookout Trail parking lot on the 1st. Purple Finch: Up to 45 came to the Visitor Centre feeders this week, and thirty were observed along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 27th. Red Crossbill: On the 27th, three were seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and two were observed at the Visitor Centre. There were four at the entrance to the Visitor Centre driveway today. White-winged Crossbill: Four were seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 28th. Common Redpoll: Eight were along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 27th, and six were at the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder today. Pine Siskin: A flock of about 100 was at Mew Lake on the 25th, sixty were seen along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed on the 27th, and 35 to 50 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders daily now. A pair engaged in courtship-feeding at the Visitor Centre was photographed on the 26th. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 70 came to Visitor Centre feeders this week. Smaller numbers continue to be attracted to seed provided by birders at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the locked gate on the 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
