Cold temperatures and calm conditions at night resulted in many of the large lakes becoming ice-covered by the end of the week. Few birders were in evidence, so there is less information than usual to report.
BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker and Boreal Chickadee: no reports. Gray Jay: regular on Opeongo Road, at the Visitor Centre suet, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: One at km 62 of the Lake Travers Road on the East Side (December 7). As expected, it appears that very low numbers will be present this winter. Red Crossbill: Very small numbers are occasionally seen, including: one at km 38 on Highway 60 (December 4); three at km 48 (December 8); and two over the Visitor Centre (December 9). Common Redpoll: one to five birds at the Visitor Centre feeders this week. Pine Siskin: A few were noted, but the small flocks that had been visiting feeders appear to have moved on. Three at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (December 4) and two at the Visitor Centre feeders (December 8). American Goldfinch: One at the Visitor Centre feeders (December 6) was the last seen this week. Goldfinches are likely moving out now. Evening Grosbeak: none reported. OTHER SIGHTINGS: European Starling: One lingered at the Visitor Centre feeders until December 4. Late for here. American Tree Sparrow: One remains at the Visitor Centre feeders and will likely attempt to spend the winter now. Pine Marten and Fisher: one or two of each coming to Visitor Centre feeders, irregularly. 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 and restaurant are open 9 am to 4 pm on weekends only until December 19. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter via the service entrance (right end of building) to view the feeders, after checking in with staff first. 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 [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
