BRANT LONG-TAILED DUCK NORTHERN GOSHAWK GOLDEN EAGLE Migrating waterfowl this week included: Brant (194 over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 25th); Green-winged Teal; Long-tailed Duck; Bufflehead; and Red-breasted Merganser.
Hawk and eagle sightings continued, with: Bald Eagle; Northern Goshawk (singles at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the Visitor Centre driveway on the 25th); Red-tailed Hawk; and Golden Eagle (single adults near the Visitor Centre and flying close to the cliff on Lookout Trail on the 24th). Northerners such as Northern Shrike, Horned Lark, American Pipit, Snow Bunting (including 42 at the Old Airfield on the 27th), American Tree Sparrow and Fox Sparrow were observed on their way south. A Blue-headed Vireo near Mew Lake on the 27th was our second latest record ever, and a male Eastern Bluebird at the Old Airfield the same day established a new latest fall date for Algonquin. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: Reports this week were from the old railway near Wolf Howl Pond (accessible by Arowhon Road); Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and the Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: Regular along the old railway from Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake; Opeongo Road; and the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Reported from the Wolf Howl Pond area; and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: Seen at Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. WINTER FINCHES Very small numbers of Purple Finch, Red Crossbill and Evening Grosbeak (10 at the Visitor Centre feeder on the 30th) were noted. MAMMALS Moose and day-active Beavers were reported along Highway 60 by some observers. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Good Birding! Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON 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 Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. Locations are also described at: www. algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually possible to access the building on weekdays as well from 9 am to 4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. For more information see the 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup
