GREAT GRAY OWL Old-time winter cold temperatures this week likely reduced the amount of birding done in the Park, but some people were out there.
Reports of Great Gray Owl included: -January 19: one seen at km 54 as darkness approached at 5 pm. -January 21: one on wires at about km 37.4 -January 23: one landed on wires at Big Pines Trail entrance (km 40.3) at 4:15 pm BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A female was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot on January 19. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 19.. Gray Jay: Regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Three are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. Boreal Chickadee: Three were noted north of the bridge on Opeongo Road and one was on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on January 19. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: Small groups continue to be regular on the highway. Up to a dozen are under the feeders at the Visitor Centre on most days. Red Crossbill: Opeongo Road had a small flock north of the bridge on January 18 and one bird farther north on the 19th. White-winged Crossbill: A male is still coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders. Common Redpoll: There were 35 at the Visitor Centre on January 19. Numbers appear to be increasing as winter advances. MAMMALS: A few Moose are being seen every day along Highway 60. They may be moving around more than usual at this time of year due to less snow depth. Martens are being seen frequently in Mew Lake Campground and at least two are now fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders. CONDITIONS IN ALGONQUIN Snow depth is now about 30 cm. See: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-snow To learn more about Winter in Algonquin Park, see: http://tinyurl.com/algonquin-winter DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial 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 is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ Good Birding! Ron Tozer _______________________________________________ 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/
