Kevin Clute and Lee Pauzé just phoned to report a Great Gray Owl on the utility wires at km 1.5 along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park at 8 am this morning.
As with the Northern Hawk Owl at Port Weller on Saturday, the appearance here of this boreal forest owl is likely indicative of an expected southward irruption of these birds due to a crash of the vole population on the breeding grounds, as reported earlier by Ron Pittaway. Ron Tozer Dwight, Ontario Directions: Algonquin 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 the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter, including the Algonquin Information Guide showing locations discussed here. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
