Some days with cold temperatures, even colder wind chill temperatures and occasional heavy snow squalls combined to dramatically reduce birding activity and reports this week. The limited information that did come in suggested little change.
Residents: One to three Ruffed Grouse are being seen regularly at the Visitor Centre, as are a few Wild Turkeys there and at Mew Lake Campground. There were no reported sightings of Black-backed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse or Boreal Chickadee this week, but Spruce Bog Boardwalk (especially near the suet feeder) and Opeongo Road north of the winter gate remain the best places to look for them and Canada Jays. Winter Finches: A single female Evening Grosbeak with Pine Grosbeaks (up to 21) came to the Visitor Centre feeders daily. One Common Redpoll was noted there on Jan 17. Three to five American Goldfinches were also regular at the feeders. 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
