Snow and ice (on ponds and smaller lakes) have arrived in Algonquin Park. The bird feeders are now operational at the Visitor Centre (km 43 on Highway 60).
BOREAL SPECIALTIES Some birders continue to have success in finding Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee along the rail bed section of the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road). Gray Jays are also regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on Opeongo Road (from the locked gate northward, accessible on foot). WINTER FINCHES Although finch numbers are limited in Algonquin so far, there is good species diversity. Pine Grosbeak: With the arrival of persistent snow and highway salting operations, a few have been observed along the road in recent days. Purple Finch: One has been coming to the Visitor Centre feeders. There are probably a few others out there as well. Red Crossbill: They are fairly scarce but observed occasionally. Typical sightings involve one to six birds, although one flock of 25 was reported. White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill is being seen more regularly than the Red Crossbill. Flocks of up to 20 birds have been reported, with some picking at salty snow along the highway shoulder. The Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed and Opeongo Road are also good locations to look for them. Pine Siskin: No reports from the Park this week, but a single bird at a feeder near Oxtongue Lake west of Algonquin may indicate the presence of a few. American Goldfinch: The Visitor Centre feeders are attracting about 20 each day, and others are along the highway. Evening Grosbeak: Up to 23 individuals came daily to the Visitor Centre feeders this week. They are less frequently seen there after mid-morning. 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). In winter, the Visitor Centre exhibits and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. There is access with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. 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 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) - 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 Visit the OFO Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OntarioFieldOrnithologists
