The Visitor Centre at km 43 will be open daily during the period of December 27 to January 8, from 9 am to 5 pm. The feeders there are continuing to attract numerous birds.
The female Wild Turkey is still coming to the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder, but the immature male Red-winged Blackbird was last reported at the feeders on December 22. Moose continue to be observed regularly along the highway. Be careful driving, especially at night. WINTER FINCHES Fewer birders resulted in fewer reports this week, but there still seems to be fairly good variety of species. Pine Grosbeak: A few were reported along the highway. Red Crossbill: Watch for them on the highway seeking sand and salt. For example, five flocks were seen between the West Gate and Smoke Lake on Christmas Day, with the largest containing about 25 birds. White-winged Crossbill: Small flocks continue to be observed, including three individuals at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 23. American Goldfinch: Up to 50 came to the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Evening Grosbeak: As many as 140 were counted at the Visitor Centre feeders. They are most numerous early in the morning. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! 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). Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
