The combined total list for the day was a very respectable 51 species recorded by about 30 participants and four leaders. Unfortunately, the heavy rainfall and melting of snow and ice during the two days preceding this trip had a major impact on where we were able to search for the target species. However, Saturday’s weather was actually better than the forecast, with no rain until late afternoon. That was a real bonus.
The return section of the Bat Lake Trail between Highway 60 and Bat Lake was our main planned location for all four boreal residents, but the trail was inaccessible for the group due to flooding of the creek and ice on the short boardwalk over it. We did find a single Canada Jay on Opeongo Road later, but no Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker or Boreal Chickadee this year. Five finch species were tallied, including a late Pine Grosbeak, a White-winged Crossbill and several Common Redpolls. The Visitor Centre produced good views of Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow and Rusty Blackbird. Many photos were taken of a beaver lodge that was largely submerged by flood waters of Costello Creek along Opeongo Road. A female Canada Goose had built a nest on top of the lodge and was incubating eggs. Just inches away from her on top of the lodge was a family of five beavers (two adults and three young) that obviously had been flooded out of the lodge. The beavers appeared to be sleeping and the goose ignored their presence. I would like to thank everybody that attended this 30th annual Algonquin Park trip for your assistance and understanding when target birds are hard to find and the conditions are challenging. The logistical and bird-finding contributions of Kevin Clute, Dawn Sherman and Laura Tozer were much appreciated. Good birding. Ron Tozer _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca 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
