A noteworthy change this week was the arrival of Bohemian Waxwings. There were three on November 6 and at least six on November 8 at the Visitor Centre, and up to 15 at Lake of Two Rivers on November 7 and 8.
A sub-adult Bald Eagle was along the km 8 logging road on November 8. A Northern Shrike continued to frequent the Visitor Centre feeders area on November 9 and 10. About 15 American Goldfinches and the occasional Evening Grosbeak were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Two Pine Siskins were there on November 7, for the first observation of this species in many weeks. Boreal Species Info: Spruce Grouse: One along Arowhon Road on November 7; and two males and a female on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on November 8. Gray Jay: Seen at the Visitor Centre suet feeders regularly; five at Wolf Howl Pond area on November 8. Boreal Chickadee: One at Wolf Howl Pond on November 7. Black-backed Woodpecker: One on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and one at the Old Airfield, on November 8. Butterflies: A Compton's Tortoiseshell flying around and landing on a sun-warmed metal building at the Jake Lake Tower on November 8 set a new late fall date for the species here. Mammals: A pine marten continued to irregularly visit the Visitor Centre suet feeders, with no predictable schedule. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. 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 near 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 weekends only until December 20, from 10 am to 4 pm. Access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks will be available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. _______________________________________________ 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/
