SNOWY OWL GREAT GRAY OWL A Snowy Owl was observed at West Rose Lake on the Mizzy Lake Trail near noon on the 8th. Searches for the owl later that day and on the 10th were unsuccessful. This species is seen very rarely in Algonquin, even during major irruptions to southern Ontario like this year. Occurrences here are almost always on one day only, probably because productive foraging areas are lacking and so the owls move through quickly.
A Great Gray Owl was seen seven kilometres up the Sunday Lake Road (a logging road closed to public travel) on the 10th. This bird may have been from farther north, but it could be part of the very small resident population here. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: A male was just north of the register box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 7th. Gray Jay: Regular in Wolf Howl Pond/West Rose Lake section of Mizzy Lake Trail, along Opeongo Road and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: Single birds were observed at the gate and north of there in the black spruce section on Opeongo Road on the 7th. Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports. Try Opeongo Road. WINTER FINCHES: Purple Finch: Small numbers at several locations this week, and over 30 at the Visitor Centre today. Pine Siskin: Three were in a flock of 50 American Goldfinches on Highway 60 at km 4 on the 7th, and three were near the West Gate on the 8th. American Goldfinch: A few are regular at the Visitor Centre feeder, and numbers are increasing along Highway 60 and Opeongo Road. Evening Grosbeak: Numbers at the Visitor Centre feeder continue to grow, reaching 38 on the 10th. 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 on weekdays, 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
