Lake of Two Rivers became completely ice-covered in the hours before dawn on January 4th, setting a new latest date for that event in records going back to 1972. Smoke Lake, the last open lake along Highway 60, became completely frozen on January 5th.
The bumper crop of Balsam Fir cones produced large numbers of seeds lodged in the branches following the normal disintegration of the cones in the fall. In the absence of most other cone crops, many seed-eating birds are feeding on the Balsam seeds here. This was reflected in the record high tally of Black-capped Chickadees (2,135) and large numbers of Red-breasted Nuthatches (947) on the count. Four Wild Turkeys near Smoke Lake on the 4th were the first reported in the Park since November 2nd. The early winter status of birds in Algonquin becomes clearer by looking at the results of the annual Christmas Bird Count, which 110 participants undertook on January 2nd. Numbers in brackets following the finch species names below are the total number of individuals observed on the count. WINTER FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak (20) Numbers remain low. Most Pine Grosbeaks must be still in the north. Listen for calling birds flying over. Purple Finch (180) Small numbers are present. Purple Finches were reported feeding on Balsam Fir seeds and maple buds. Red Crossbill (22) A few are being observed, often as individuals calling in flight. White-winged Crossbill (21) Similarly, this crossbill is here but in very low numbers. A few crossbills have been seen seeking sand and salt on the highway, including three White-winged Crossbills near the East Gate on the 7th. Common Redpoll (436) Moderate numbers are being seen along the highway and Opeongo Road. This finch is also feeding on Balsam Fir seeds. Pine Siskin (1,205) This is the most numerous finch, with some big flocks of 200 birds or more. They have been noted feeding on yellow birch and white birch seed, and often on Balsam Fir seeds. Watch for siskin flocks on the highway. American Goldfinch (37) There are relatively few goldfinches. Most left in the fall. Evening Grosbeak (129) Most of these grosbeaks tallied on the count were at the Visitor Centre feeders. On January 3, numbers at the Visitor Centre skyrocketed to about 175 birds, and there were 75 to 100 present there (especially in the morning) for the rest of this week. It is reminiscent of the 1970s when spruce budworm-fueled breeding success resulted in huge numbers of Evening Grosbeaks at southern Ontario feeders. BOREAL SPECIALTIES: Spruce Grouse: One was located south of the highway opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the count. Black-backed Woodpecker: Thirteen were found on the count, including birds at Beaver Pond Trail, Jake Lake, and along the portage to Blackfox Lake which starts at the Trailer Sanitation Station. Gray Jay: Seen again along the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed, on Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and along the black spruce section of Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Only nine were found on the count. Try Wolf Howl Pond, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road north of the closed gate. Check the suet feeder neat the Spruce Bog Boardwalk register box. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). 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). In winter, the Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access to the exhibits and limited services (including light snacks, coffee and other drinks) on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) are available at the East Gate, West Gate and Visitor Centre. _______________________________________________ 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
