Considerable melting of snow occurred during the last two days but it is still knee-deep almost everywhere in the forest and the only open water is in creeks and rivers where there is a current.
The first drumming Ruffed Grouse this spring was reported at Mew Lake on March 26. The average first date of hearing Ruffed Grouse drumming in Algonquin is April 10, so this is a little early. Some drumming logs are becoming exposed now as snow depth decreases. Bald Eagle: An adult was just west of the West Gate on March 25. Red Crossbill: Three were reported on Arowhon Road at about km 4 on March 28. Flocks of Common Redpolls persisted where seed was provided, including the Visitor Centre feeders, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. A few Hoary Redpolls were noted among them. New arrivals this week included: March 26: Merlin, Common Merganser and Common Grackle. March 29: Hooded Merganser March 30: American Black Duck As reported last week, the provision of seed and suet at the Visitor Centre and Spruce Bog Boardwalk feeders will be ended on April 1 in order to remove a potential attraction for black bears when they become active soon. Please report your sightings for our 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 and information. The centre and restaurant are open on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm. 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 birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
