The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with full services (exhibits, book store and restaurant) during March Break (March 11 to 19).
There were no signs of new migration during this week, likely due in large measure to unusually cold temperatures, gusty winds and persistent deep snow cover. A Northern Goshawk was observed at Mew Lake Campground on March 11. Bald Eagles were seen at km 11 on Highway 60 (9th) and along Opeongo Road (11th). The female Wild Turkey that has been observed all winter at the Visitor Centre continued to be seen there and across the highway at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: No reports. Keep looking at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road north of the locked gate. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 11th. Gray Jay: Best places to see them continue to be Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Three were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, often at the suet feeder. This species was also seen this week along Opeongo Road north of the locked gate and near the south side of the Old Airfield. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: The long-present female at the entrance to Spruce Bog Boardwalk continued to be seen this week. A few were noted at the Visitor Centre and along the highway, as well. Red Crossbill: Small groups were reported at several locations along the highway and Opeongo Road. White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill was seen regularly and at several sites, but numbers were lower than in recent weeks. Common Redpoll: No reports. Pine Siskin: The highest number tallied at the Visitor Centre feeders was 50 this week, and continued to include the green morph bird. Smaller numbers of Pine Siskins were encountered at other locations. American Goldfinch: Maximum number coming to the Visitor Centre feeders was about 50. Evening Grosbeak: Numbers at the Visitor Centre feeders this week peaked at 100 on the 13. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The Visitor Centre is also open on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm with limited facilities, including self-serve hot and cold beverages plus snacks available in the restaurant. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ 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
