Significant melting of snow and opening up of some small lakes and ponds occurred this week. All larger lakes remain ice-covered. New arrivals continued to appear, but fewer than last week (see list below).
Fox Sparrows were at the Visitor Centre all week, peaking at seven birds on April 20. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Persistent snow and meltwater puddles in prime locations for this species such as Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk are making searching difficult. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen along Opeongo Road on April 18. Gray Jay: Opeongo Road north of the gate (now open) is the most reliable place to look. Boreal Chickadee: One was reported along the Logging Museum trail on April 18. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: A few were at the Visitor Centre feeder area this week. Pine Siskin: There were up to 15 at the Visitor Centre on April 20. American Goldfinch: One or two are still being seen at the Visitor Centre. Evening Grosbeak: A few were still coming to the Visitor Centre seed, with 12 noted on April 20. NEW ARRIVALS April 13: Wilson’s Snipe April 15: Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow April 16: Ruby-crowned Kinglet Apr1l 17: Common Loon, Killdeer, Chipping Sparrow April 18: Broad-winged Hawk April 20: Barn Swallow Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Ontbirds posts about Algonquin Park birds will be irregular, as deemed appropriate, for the rest of the spring period. 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, starting April 22. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. 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
