Some ponds and shallow lakes had developed extensive open water by today. However, most lakes remain ice-covered. Bare ground is widespread in deciduous forest and on south-facing slopes, but knee-deep snow persists in many shaded areas.
New migrants arrived in numbers this week, especially during the warm temperatures of the 15th and 16th, including Common Loon, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush and Rusty Blackbird (15th); Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Northern Harrier, Wilson's Snipe, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow (16th); American Kestrel, Pine Warbler and Savannah Sparrow (17th); and Broad-winged Hawk (21st). Feeders at the Visitor Centre have now been shut down but birds continue to come for accumulated seed on the ground, including up to three Fox Sparrows. Moose seeking the slightly salty meltwater puddles along the highway are being seen more often now. This is also a great time to see Otters that often frequent ice-edge areas where they consume their prey. Costello Creek along Opeongo Road was a good place to see them this week. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Two males were in the black spruce along the northern part of the Opeongo Road (east side) on April 16, and one was observed near the parking lot of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 17th. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was on Opeongo Road, 200 metres north of the gate (now open), on the 17th, and another was heard drumming on the north side of Highway 60 at Park Lake today. Gray Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk and along Opeongo Road continue to produce this species. Boreal Chickadee: Three were found on Opeongo Road on the 17th. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: This species is widespread but in low numbers now. Many males are in full song. Red Crossbill: A single bird calling in flight was noted on Opeongo Road at the gate on the 16th. Common Redpoll: It appears that only a few remain now. Pine Siskin: Late in the week, most observers were reporting five or fewer per day. Evening Grosbeak: One to three were seen at the Visitor Centre by week's end. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their Lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). Thanks to Kelly Stronks for tallying birds seen during Saturday's very successful OFO trip as shown on the following eBird links: Airfield: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29004328 Opeongo Road: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29004332 http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29017929 Spruce Bog Boardwalk: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29017942 Visitor Centre: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29017924 Park Lake: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28994546 West Gate: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S28994547 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 will be open daily from 9 am to 5 pm starting on April 23. 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
