As an “old guy” myself, I was pleased when the male Spruce Grouse that was colour-banded in 2009 and is now at least 10 years old was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 14. According to Birds of North America, the estimated annual survival rate of male Spruce Grouse (canadensis subspecies) is just 38 to 44%. The oldest recorded age for a Spruce Grouse is 13 years. Readers may also recall that a Northern Goshawk successfully preyed on at least one Spruce Grouse at Spruce Bog Boardwalk in January last year, so living there for 10 years or more is quite an accomplishment.
Tomorrow (January 19) will be this winter’s first Bird Feeder Friday when feeders at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre are broadcast live on the internet from 9 am to 4 pm. Multiple views allow you to watch for common bird and mammal species. This live video feed is brought to you by The Friends of Algonquin Park. A special thanks to Wild Birds Unlimited Toronto for providing bird feeders and seed for the Visitor Centre. To see the broadcast, tune in to: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the past week: -Spruce Grouse: three or four were in large conifers near the start of the first short boardwalk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. -Ruffed Grouse: continue to be seen along the Visitor Centre driveway and under the feeders below the viewing deck. -Wild Turkey: up to nine are still coming daily to the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder, and two continue in Mew Lake Campground. -Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was reported along Opeongo Road on January 15. -Gray Jay: Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Logging Museum are the best places to see them. -Boreal Chickadee: the only report was of one heard briefly on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, January 14. They have not been utilizing the suet feeder there this winter. -American Marten: two continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeders fairly regularly. Winter finches remain widespread, with most species being seen regularly but in moderate numbers. -Pine Grosbeak: the only report this week involved two on Opeongo Road, January 14. -Purple Finch: regular but not numerous, although 29 were counted at the Visitor Centre on January 16. -Red Crossbill: about six have been regular off the Visitor Centre viewing deck early each morning, with some larger flocks often seen on the highway. -White-winged Crossbill: typical observations were of five or fewer birds, but they are seen regularly. Listen for their distinctive calls. -Common Redpoll: no reports received this week. -Pine Siskin: up to 15 at the Visitor Centre feeders, and some larger flocks seeking grit and salt on the highway. -American Goldfinch: flocks frequently noted on the highway, and up to about 20 were regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. -Evening Grosbeak: up to 35 continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders daily. 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 and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm, and are also open with limited services through the week from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. 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
