The Visitor Centre (exhibits and restaurant) at km 43 will be closed from December 24 to 26, and then open daily from December 27 to January 1, 9 am to 5 pm,. Good numbers of birds are frequenting its feeders and include a female Wild Turkey and an immature male Red-winged Blackbird. A Marten was attracted to the black sunflower seed and suet one day this week.
Three adult male Spruce Grouse in a spruce near the entrance of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 21 included one with a greenish-blue band on its left leg. This bird was banded there in May 2009 when it was at least one year old, making it probably nine or more years of age now. The BNA notes that Spruce Grouse have been known to live to at least 13 years. Most have a much shorter lifespan. Bohemian Waxwings are still being seen occasionally, including three calling in flight at the Visitor Centre on December 21. Moose are being observed regularly along the highway. Be careful driving, especially at night. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: A couple of small groups were observed on the highway. Purple Finch: Five were reported along the highway on December 18. Red Crossbill: Eight were seen along the highway on the 18th. White-winged Crossbill: Small flocks continue to be observed. Pine Siskin: Six were along the highway on the 18th, and nine were at the Visitor Centre feeders on the 22nd. American Goldfinch: Flocks, some large, are being noted on the highway. There were seventy at the Visitor Centre feeders on the 22nd. Evening Grosbeak: About 100 were coming to the Visitor Centre feeders on some days this week, mainly from early to 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). 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
