Abnormally cold temperatures this week preserved extensive deep snow and mainly ice-covered lakes and ponds.
New arrivals included: Sharp-shinned Hawk (April 13); Killdeer, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Eastern Meadowlark (April 14). Single Northern Shrikes were seen at the Airfield on the 8th and 14th. A Nocturnal Owl Survey between the East Boundary and Eucalia Lake on the 13th recorded Great Horned Owl (1 site), Barred Owl (1 site), and Northern Saw-whet Owl (3 sites). BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Try Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Gray Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road continue to produce this species. Boreal Chickadee: Two were observed near the recycling facilities in Mew Lake Campground on the 13th. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: A few were seen at various sites, including East Gate, Visitor Centre, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Found Lake. Red Crossbill: Single birds calling in flight were noted at the Airfield and Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 14th. Common Redpoll: One was at the Visitor Centre on the 13th, and there were 12 at the Airfield and one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 14th. Pine Siskin: This finch continues to be widespread. For example, an estimated 530 were noted along the highway on the 9th, and there were 170 on the 10th and 90 on the 12th at the Visitor Centre. American Goldfinch: There were two at the East Gate on the 8th. Evening Grosbeak: Numbers are dwindling. There were 10 at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and 15 at the Visitor Centre on the 9th, but just two at both the Visitor Centre and the Airfield on the 14th. 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 on Highway 60 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. On weekdays, there is access to the exhibits and limited services (including light snacks, coffee and other drinks) 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
