A significant snowfall (20 centimetres?) occurred in the Park today for the first time in many days. Relatively few birders were noted this week.
Notable sighting: Red-winged Blackbird: An adult male with an injured wing but capable of flight at campsite 49 in Mew Lake Campground on January 8 was only the third winter record for Algonquin. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area. Black-backed Woodpecker: Try the Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake area. Gray Jay: Seen regularly along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and at the Visitor Centre. Boreal Chickadee: Two or three were observed near the gate on Opeongo Road on January 7 and 8. FINCHES: Red Crossbill: Seen near Mew Lake on January 7 and along Highway 60 on January 8. White-winged Crossbill: A flock of 40 was reported at km 22 on Highway 60 on January 7. Common Redpoll: A few were reported along Highway 60. Pine Siskin: Seen near Mew Lake on January 7 and along Highway 60 and at the gate on Opeongo Road on January 8. American Goldfinch: A few at the Visitor Centre and along Highway 60. Evening Grosbeak: up to 90 are regularly at the Visitor Centre feeders. Seen near Mew Lake on January 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 Visitor Centre restaurant is not open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. 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. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ _______________________________________________ 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/
