Algonquin continued with relatively mild temperatures and no snow on the ground until the end of the week.
Noteworthy Sightings: Common Loon: an adult feeding a fish to a large but perhaps still flightless young bird was photographed at the Opeongo Access Point on November 4. We have only one later November date in our records for this behaviour. Common Loons have been known to re-nest up to three times if failures occur early in the nesting cycle, which rarely results in young being tended by an adult very late in the fall. Red-headed Woodpecker: a juvenile was flying over Highway 60 just east of Opeongo Road on November 8. This extreme rarity here is the third in the area this fall, following a juvenile photographed at a feeder in Whitney in mid October and an adult at Wolf Howl Pond in the Park on October 30. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road Black-backed Woodpecker: no reports on Highway 60. Five were observed on the East Side along Barron Canyon Road on November 8. Gray Jay: seen regularly at Wolf Howl Pond on Mizzy Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: observed on Opeongo Road and in the Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose Lake area. Finches: Observations were almost entirely of birds flying over or landing only briefly, clearly on the move. A single American Goldfinch was at the Visitor Centre feeders on November 10. White-winged Crossbill: small flocks flying over occasionally. Common Redpoll: small flocks flying over observed every day. Pine Siskin: small numbers. American Goldfinch: a few at various sites. Evening Grosbeak: a few irregularly at the Visitor Centre, and one at km 8 on November 7. 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. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca 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 the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen. _______________________________________________ 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/
