Birds coming to the Visitor Centre (km 43) feeders can be viewed on the Algonquin Park Wild Bird Cam Live Stream: https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/wild_bird_cam.php
All lakes along Highway 60 are covered by ice now and there are currently about 3 cm of snow on the ground. Winter Finches: Evening Grosbeak: large numbers (up to 120), reminiscent of the 1970s era, daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Pine Grosbeak: observed regularly in small numbers, often on and near the highway after road maintenance following snowfall. Purple Finch: last reported in late November. Common Redpoll: continues to be seen regularly, sometimes in larger flocks. Red Crossbill: frequently observed but in smaller numbers than White-winged. White-winged Crossbill: being seen daily, often in large numbers. Pine Siskin: occasionally observed, usually in small numbers. American Goldfinch: frequent in low numbers. Boreal Species, with locations of recent observations: Spruce Grouse: west side of Opeongo Road in black spruce just north of winter gate; Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake railbed (accessed by Mizzy Lake Trail from Highway 60) Black-backed Woodpecker: Spruce Bog Boardwalk Canada Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk; Opeongo Road at second bridge (accessed by walking from winter gate) Boreal Chickadee: no reports. Algonquin Park Information: A list of plowed/unplowed parking areas can be found at https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/winter-in-algonquin-park.php Current snow depth can be found at https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/algonquin-park-weather.php#snow For specific directions to all major attractions in Algonquin Park see https://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/general_park_info/directions-to-algonquin-park.php The Visitor Centre exhibits and bookstore/nature shop at km 43 are: CLOSED from Dec. 24 to 26; and OPEN from Dec. 27 to Jan. 2 (9 am to 5 pm). During the remainder of the winter, the Visitor Centre will be open on weekends (9 am to 5 pm) and on weekdays (9 am to 4 pm). 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. -- 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 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.
