Early spring migrants that arrived this week were up to a week later than usual: Red-winged Blackbird on March 23 (7 days later than average), Common Grackle on March 27 (3 days later than average), and Herring Gull on March 27 (6 days later than average). With the snow knee-deep in most areas, very little bare ground anywhere, and open water very scarce, the Algonquin Highlands remain unattractive to most migrants for now.
FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Only about three remain now at the Visitor Centre feeders. One or two were at the West Gate feeder. Common Redpoll: Reduced numbers were at the West Gate feeder this week, but up to 50 were at the Visitor Centre. Hoary Redpoll: There was one at the West Gate feeder on March 22. BOREAL RESIDENTS: Spruce Grouse: One was seen near post 5 at Spruce Bog on March 22 . Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was at Spruce Bog right near parking lot, and a male was on Beaver Pond Trail, on March 22. A female was on Opeongo Road, 1.5 km north of the Costello Creek culvert, and a male was at post 7 on Spruce Bog, on March 26. Gray Jay: They were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre, Opeongo Road, and Mew Lake. Boreal Chickadee: They were six at Mew Lake Campground, and four at Spruce Bog, on March 22. Two were on Opeongo Road, 1.5 km north of the Costello Creek culvert on March 26. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES: Bald Eagle: There were sightings on Highway 60 and Opeongo Road this week. American Three-toed Woodpecker: A male was at Spruce Bog on March 22. Fisher: A large male, plus two smaller individuals, have been irregularly visiting the Visitor Centre suet feeders this week. Marten: At least two have been coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, often at the same time, but with no certain time pattern. Sightings continue at Mew Lake Campground near the garbage facility. BIRDERS: Please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. This information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders here. Arowhon Road is officially closed to public travel until further notice, as log hauling is underway on it. Do not use this road. Good birding. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) 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. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information and access to the viewing deck, via the service entrance (right end of the building as you face it from the parking lot). Exhibits and restaurant are open on weekends through April 20, 10 am to 5 pm. _______________________________________________ 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
