Many people on the Visitor Centre viewing deck got to view a rarely observed sight on both Saturday and Sunday (October 16 and 17): moose mating in the Sunday Creek bog.
At least one American marten has been seen irregularly eating sunflower seed at the Visitor Centre. More birders were in the field this week, as reflected in increased sightings. Thanks to all who reported. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: two males along Arowhon Road at Sims Pit, just south of the old railway crossing (October 16). Black-backed Woodpecker: female at post 4 on Whiskey Rapids Trail (October 16) and a male and female at West Rose Lake on the Mizzy Lake Trail (October 17). Gray Jay: as usual in the fall, these are becoming more conspicuous at various sites, including: Old Airfield; from the chain gate along the old railway to Wolf Howl Pond; and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: these are becoming more vocal and noticeable, including at the chain gate on the old railway west of Wolf Howl Pond, West Rose Lake, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. FIRST OF FALL: Lesser Scaup: one on Lake of Two Rivers (October 14) Surf Scoter: two on Lake of Two Rivers (October 14) Red-necked Grebe: one at the Opeongo Access Point (October 16) and one on Lake of Two Rivers (October 17) Bohemian Waxwing: one at the West Gate (October 16). Two birds between posts 14 and 15 on Track and Tower Trail and two at Wolf Howl Pond (October 17). FINCHES: Purple Finch: a few are being seen at Visitor Centre feeders and flying over. Red Crossbill: Very small numbers continue to be heard calling in flight. Pine Siskin: occasionally one or two flying over. American Goldfinch: only one reported this week. Evening Grosbeak: occasional birds at the Visitor Centre, and single birds flying over elsewhere. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SIGHTINGS: Redhead: two males at the Old Airfield Marsh (October 18). Not seen on October 19. This is only the fifth record for Algonquin Park. Wild Turkey: one at km 24 on Highway 60 (October17). Ring-billed Gull: up to 90 were loafing at the Opeongo Access Point this week. The origin of the gulls in these annual fall gatherings at Opeongo since 2001 is unknown. This gull does not breed in Algonquin Park and is very uncommon here at other times of the year. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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 daily from 9 am to 5 pm during October. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ 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/
