This report covers the last two weeks (Nov 27 to Dec 10) and mentions species that birders frequently come to Algonquin Park to see during the winter. Gates on Opeongo Road at the Cameron Lake Road junction and at the start of Arowhon Road are now closed for the winter. The Visitor Centre has three feeders in operation now, two in the parking lot and one below the viewing deck. A Pine Marten and a Ruffed Grouse came to get fallen sunflower seeds below the feeder visible from the viewing deck today.
SPRUCE GROUSE – a male was seen between the river and the north edge of the Old Airfield, near the parking lot (Dec 5) and one was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Dec 8). BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER – observed along Highway 60 near Cache Lake Marsh (Nov 29); on Opeongo Road near the winter gate (Dec 6); and along Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Dec 7). CANADA JAY – reported regularly at Mew Lake Campground, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road at and north of the winter gate, and at the Logging Museum. BOREAL CHICKADEE – the first reports since mid-October were one along the Barron Canyon Road near Ignace Lake on the Park’s “East Side” (Dec 6), and one photographed in a flock of Black-capped Chickadees between the south edge of the Old Airfield and the river (Dec 7). The latter bird could not be re-found during an extensive search on Dec. 8 but is likely still in the area. Listen for its vocalizations and search among any other chickadees encountered there. Likely due to the very limited tree seed crops here, winter finch numbers declined significantly during the last two weeks. EVENING GROSBEAK – no reports. PINE GROSBEAK – small numbers continue to be seen, with birds along the Highway 60 margin being noted more often during the first two hours of morning light. COMMON REDPOLL – the last reports were single birds near Park Lake and Cache Lake (Nov. 29). RED CROSSBILL – small numbers were seen irregularly along Highway 60 during the period, and along Barron Canyon Road on Dec 6. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL – a few were reported on Mizzy Lake Trail (Dec 3) and at Mew Lake (Dec 8). PINE SISKIN – one heard at the Old Airfield (Dec 7) was the only report. 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.
