The most interesting bird this week was a small juvenile Canada Goose (probably a runt of the Interior race) at the Opeongo Access Point that I initially thought was a Cackling Goose. We had doubts after seeing Michael Runtz's photos of the bird today, and later expert opinions from Ken Abraham and Ron Pittaway set the record straight.
A Brown Thrasher at Mew Lake Campground on October 17 was notable as this species is rare here at any time now, and the date tied our second latest fall record. Bald Eagles were reported from Canisbay and Lake of Two Rivers. A Golden Eagle flew over Lake of Two Rivers on October 22. The Old Airfield produced American Pipits, Rusty Blackbirds and two Eastern Bluebirds on October 18. The only winter finch reported was Evening Grosbeak, with small numbers at the Visitor Centre and elsewhere along Highway 60. Spruce Grouse: singles on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Bat Lake Trail (October 17). Gray Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk; Opeongo Road and near Wolf Howl Pond. Boreal Chickadee: Wolf Howl Pond area on Mizzy Lake Trail. No reports this week of Black-backed Woodpecker. Good birding. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. 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). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre is open daily until November 1, from 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 information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
