Cold temperatures prevailed this week, sealing Algonquin Park firmly in winter's grip. Snowshoes are now required for getting around off trails and roads. Birders were busy elsewhere and so little reporting occurred.
The White-throated Sparrow lingering at the Visitor Centre feeders survived until early this week, and may still be present. The large flock of American Goldfinches continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Species: -Spruce Grouse: No reports. Check Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. -Gray Jay: There were two at the Visitor Centre and three at the Opeongo Road gate on December 21. -Boreal Chickadee: Five were seen along the Opeongo Road, 1.1 km north of the gate, on December 21. -Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was just past the first fork in the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail (km 3 on Highway 60) on December 21. Mammals: -Pine Marten: Two continue to be fairly regular at the Visitor Centre. THE VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY (10 TO 4) FROM DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 3. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. Good birding and Happy Holidays. 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. Access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are 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/
