Here is a brief overview of current winter finch status in Algonquin Park. Variety: fairly good. Numbers: low so far but appear to be increasing.
Evening Grosbeak: up to five have been seen fairly regularly at the Visitor Centre and Spruce Bog Boardwalk recently. Pine Grosbeak: four reports (1 to 8 birds), all in late November. As predicted by Ron Pittaway, this species is not expected to move south in numbers this winter. Purple Finch: small flocks seen regularly along highway and at Visitor Centre. Common Redpoll/Hoary Redpoll: no reports. Irruption not expected this winter. Red Crossbill: small numbers fairly regular along the highway, at the Visitor Centre and along Opeongo Road. White-winged Crossbill: fewer reported than Red Crossbill but numbers may be increasing. Pine Siskin: seen regularly along the highway and at Visitor Centre, sometimes in flocks of up to 50. American Goldfinch: seen regularly along the highway and at the Visitor Centre. The feeders are now operating at the Visitor Centre. The Opeongo Road winter gate is closed but the road is plowed. 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. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays 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 Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON. _______________________________________________ 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
