BOREAL SPECIALTIES Birders have had some recent success in finding Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee along the rail bed section of the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road). Gray Jays are also regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on Opeongo Road north of the second bridge.
BOHEMIAN WAXWING There have been three reports (October 20 to November 6) of small numbers apparently on the move. There is little here for this species to feed on except for some lingering Winterberry (Ilex) and tree buds. WINTER FINCHES Cone crops are poor except for white cedar. Pine Grosbeak: A single bird along the Mizzy rail bed on November 6 was the first and only record to date. Purple Finch: Most have left. Red Crossbill: A few reports of small numbers. White-winged Crossbill: Quite a few reports, usually involving small numbers of flyovers but also some flocks of 30 to 50 birds. Some seen on black spruce and tamarack. Most sightings have come from Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and Opeongo Road. Probably on the move in search of better cone crops. Pine Siskin: No reports during the late October-early November period. American Goldfinch: Most have left. Evening Grosbeak: Small numbers (usually one to five birds) have been reported at various locations. 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). In winter, the Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. BIRD FEEDERS ARE NOT YET OPERATING. 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
