First-of-spring species reported this week were: April 1: Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco; April 2: American Woodcock; April 4: Wood Duck, Golden-crowned Kinglet (apparent migrants); April 5: Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Turkey Vulture, Belted Kingfisher, Winter Wren; and April 6: Ring-billed Gull.
A flock of 11 Bohemian Waxwings stopped briefly near the Visitor Centre in late afternoon on April 3. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: There were observations at: the trail from Mew Lake Campground to Track and Tower Trail; Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road north of the second bridge. Black-backed Woodpecker: Reports were received from Opeongo Road north of the locked gate and Mizzy Lake Trail. Gray Jay: Look for them at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: They were observed along Opeongo Road and on Mizzy Lake Trail. WINTER FINCHES Purple Finch: One was at the Visitor Centre on April 1 and 5. Red Crossbill: Small groups continued to be seen occasionally along Highway 60 this week. White-winged Crossbill: One was observed along Opeongo Road on April 1. Pine Siskin: Typical counts at the Visitor Centre were of 15 or fewer by week’s end. American Goldfinch: The highest number at the Visitor Centre was about 25, with fewer by the end of the week. Evening Grosbeak: The peak number was 75 at the Visitor Centre. Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds). For those wishing to learn more about Algonquin Park’s birds, please note the following workshop presented by The Friends of Algonquin Park: Spring Birds and Bird Research in Algonquin Park – May 12 to 14, 2017 — During this Experience Algonquin Workshop, participants will visit a variety of habitats to observe and better understand the diversity of Algonquin Park’s bird species, and learn about ongoing and historical bird research that has shaped our understanding of these complex avian communities. Join Dr. Doug Tozer, Hugo Kitching and Ryan Rea, all long-time Algonquin Park seasonal naturalists and bird researchers to explore the spring splendour of Algonquin Park. Food and accommodation for the workshop is provided by the Wildlife Research Station established in 1944. Pre-registration is required. Details can be found at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/programs/experience-algonquin-workshops.php 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm in winter. The Visitor Centre is also open on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm with limited facilities, including self-serve hot and cold beverages plus snacks available in the restaurant. 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
