Hi Folks, This is an excellent time of year for birding in Algonquin, with the potential to see some rarities. It has been a good week for birding even though there were few birders out, with the resident birds showing well, a good smattering of finches and some nice highlight birds. This will be my last report for the year and Ron Tozer will take over from now on.
The bird of the week was a Boreal Owl late last night (Oct 27) at km 20. It was vocalizing and was recorded. These owls have been on the move this year at Hilliardton Marsh and there is always the possibility of finding migrants in places like Algonquin Park. They are probably regular but not-often-detected migrants here due to lack of coverage and difficulty of detection. Snow Buntings arrived in Algonquin Park this week, with birds being seen in a few locations alongside the highway. A Vesper Sparrow on Oct 21 at the Old Airfield was a new late date. American Tree Sparrows and Juncos are common throughout now. A juvenile Northern Goshawk put on a good show for a group from Paris yesterday (Oct 26) at the top of the Mizzy Lake Trail. Boreal Specialties: SPRUCE GROUSE: These have gone back into anonymity here in Algonquin, and none were reported this week. The Opeongo Road, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and the top of the Mizzy Lake Trail are likely your best chances. GRAY JAY: Birds were at the Algonquin Logging Museum, the north end of Mizzy Lake Trail, Arowhon Road, and Opeongo Road this week looking for handouts. BOREAL CHICKADEE: Excellent views were had by a group yesterday at the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail. This location seems to be the prime spot at this time. BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER: Reported at the Costello Creek Picnic Area and the north end of the Mizzy Lake Trail this week. FINCHES: PURPLE FINCH: Several were flying over various areas this week. COMMON REDPOLL: One flying over yesterday (Oct 27), and more to come. EVENING GROSBEAK: A flock has been irregular at the Visitor Centre Parking Lot, with 15 birds there on Oct 23. RED CROSSBILL: A singing male was at km 20 on Oct 26th. Mammals: A Blue Jay was depredated by a Short-tailed Weasel below a crowd of awed onlookers off the viewing deck yesterday afternoon. We have heard reports of photographers feeding mammals to get photos this week and last week. This is not only dangerous to both human and animal, but also unlawful. Please keep our wildlife wild. Algonquin Provincial Park is located 3 hours north of Toronto via Hw 400, 11 and 60. It's also about three hours from Ottawa via Hw 60. Directions to each individual location mentioned above can be found in the park tabloid available at either gate, and also on www.algonquinpark.on.ca where recent birding, mammal viewing and fall colour updates will be posted. Please send your observations to Ron Tozer and share your ebird observations with Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Cheers and Good Birding!! Lev Frid Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park _______________________________________________ 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 Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
