Mild temperatures continued this week. Birders were often successful in finding the Algonquin specialties.
Noteworthy Sightings: Horned Grebe: two on Lake of Two Rivers off the Old Airfield on October 30 and November 2. Golden Eagle: a migrating adult soared over Highway 60 west of Mew Lake on October 30. Red-headed Woodpecker: adult flying over at Wolf Howl Pond on October 30. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: observed near Wolf Howl Pond, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road Black-backed Woodpecker: female near Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail (October 30) Gray Jay: seen regularly at Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre, and along Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: two on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (October 29). Try the old railway west of Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose Lake. Finches: Purple Finch: two at the Old Airfield and two at Wolf Howl Pond on October 30. White-winged Crossbill: small numbers occasionally flying over. Pine Siskin: a few at various sites. Flock of 40 near Wolf Howl Pond on October 30. American Goldfinch: a few at various sites and one or two larger flocks. Evening Grosbeak: up to 12 at the Visitor Centre 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 will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks will be available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. 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 birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
