Following is an overview of some species recently reported from Algonquin Park that are often sought by birders here.
SPRUCE GROUSE – reported along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed (Nov 5) and Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Nov 6, 8 and 9). BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER – observed along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed (Nov 5 and 9), Beaver Pond Trail at posts 4 and 8 (Nov 9) and at Park Lake (Nov 9). CANADA JAY – reported during last week at Mizzy Lake Trail railbed, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, and Logging Museum Trail. BOREAL CHICKADEE – last reported in August. The southern edge of its Ontario breeding range appears to be receding northward; climate warming is a likely but not yet proven contributing cause. BOHEMIAN WAXWING – one or two small flocks along Highway 60 reported on several days during the last two weeks but not persisting at any location. Thirty were seen in Whitney (Nov 6). EVENING GROSBEAK – a few flyovers heard regularly; present at the Visitor Centre fairly often although feeders are not in operation. PINE GROSBEAK – observed fairly regularly but in small numbers at various locations, including Highway 60 margin; flyovers are often detected by calls. COMMON REDPOLL – small numbers regularly observed along Highway 60, often feeding on weed seeds; most reports involve calling flyovers. Indicative of low numbers were a total of 36 during several hours at Lake Travers on the Park’s “east side” (Nov 12). RED CROSSBILL – reported on just five days in November so far, with highest number at one location being 10. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL – reported on just five days in November so far, with highest number at one location being 20. PINE SISKIN – single November report: one at Mizzy Lake Trail railbed (Nov 5) 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 bookstore at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map showing birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON -- Ontbirds and Birdnews are moderated email Listservs provided by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) as a service to all birders in Ontario. Birdnews is reserved for announcements, location summaries, first of year reports, etc. To post a message on Birdnews, send an email to: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Birdnews Moderators by email at [email protected]. Please review posting rules and guidelines at http://ofo.ca/site/content/listserv-guidelines To edit your membership settings visit the Birdnews setup page at: http://ontbirds.ca/mailman/listinfo/birdnews_ontbirds.ca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ontario birders should be taking extra precautions and following local, provincial, and federal regulations regarding physical distancing and non-essential travel. To find out more about OFO, please visit our website at ofo.ca or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists.
