New migrants this week included: Sandhill Crane and Northern Shrike (March 26th), and Song Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco (March 28th). The crane record was the second earliest ever here.
A Ruffed Grouse coming close to the feet of people to pick up seeds and peanut pieces thrown to it has been popular and much photographed near the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: A male was photographed near the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 26th. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed about 100 metres past the long boardwalk of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 25th, and another was seen along Peck Lake Trail on the 26th. Gray Jay: They continue to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road. Of course, with many females now incubating eggs, there are fewer Gray Jays out there to be observed. Boreal Chickadee: Two were noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 27th. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: Up to 20 were seen at the Visitor Centre feeders. Red Crossbill: Three were noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 25th, and two in flight were observed at Mew Lake on the 30th. Common Redpoll: Four were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 25th; from one to six were at the Visitor Centre feeders during the week; and one was observed along Opeongo Road on the 30th. Pine Siskin: This continues to be the most numerous finch here. The total seen at the Visitor Centre feeders reached 120 on the 28th, and several flocks getting grit along Highway 60 contained a total of 150 birds on the 30th. American Goldfinch: There was one at the Visitor Centre on the 26th. Evening Grosbeak: As many as 40 continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeders. 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. On weekdays, there is access to the exhibits and limited services (including light snacks, coffee and other drinks) 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
