If you intended to come to Algonquin Park to see the nine winter finch species that are being reported regularly, you should do so soon. Numbers have slowly decreased during February as birds dispersed and some species will be harder to find as March progresses. There are already a few signs of “pre-spring” here, despite 32 cm of snow on the ground. Researchers have located three Canada Jay nests under construction, with the first on Feb 20.
Evening Grosbeak: up to about 25 are now daily at the Visitor Centre feeders, with twice that many occasionally. A few continue to be seen at other locations where people leave sunflower seed, such as Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance and Opeongo Road parking lot near the winter gate.. Pine Grosbeak: the best place to see them is at the Visitor Centre where numbers vary from about 10 to 25 each day. They usually feed on fallen sunflower seeds below the feeders. Purple Finch: up to 10 are seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: 20 to 30 are regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. Flocks are being seen elsewhere as well, often feeding on alder seeds. HOARY REDPOLL: singles with Common Redpolls at the Visitor Centre feeders have been observed and photographed on several days during the last two weeks. Other locations have included one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Feb 20) and single birds in three different flocks of Common Redpolls along Barron Canyon Road on the Park’s East Side (Feb 21). Red Crossbill: most sightings now are of five or fewer birds and often involve hearing them calling in flight. However, some larger numbers are still being seen, including 35 at Tea Lake Dam (Feb 26). White-winged Crossbill: still widespread but typical sightings are now up to 30 at any one location, considerably lower numbers than in January. A flock of at least 200 near Found Lake (Feb 25) was exceptional. Some males have occasionally been heard giving partial songs during February, but confirmation of successful nesting is lacking. The White Spruce cone crop may not have been adequate to support breeding. Pine Siskin: numbers were greater this month than in January. They are seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeders with a maximum of 80 reported there, although half that number is usual. American Goldfinch: numbers appear to be lower now than in January. Up to 15 are seen regularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: one was found along Opeongo Road (Feb 22) and a male was observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Feb 21 and 26). Black-backed Woodpecker: observed several times on the Logging Museum Trail, and along Spruce Bog Boardwalk, where there were two near the kettle bog (Feb 21). Canada Jay: seen regularly at Spruce Bog Boardwalk; Opeongo Road at the parking lot near the winter gate and north of the gate near the bridge; plus at the Logging Museum Trail and parking lot. Boreal Chickadee: still no records since January 3. 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 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. The Visitor Centre exhibits and bookstore/nature shop at km 43 are OPEN on weekends and holidays (9 am to 5 pm).), and with limited services on weekdays (9 am to 4 pm). -- 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.
