[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 19 March 2020

March 18, 2020 - Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, issued the following update in response to COVID-19 developments: "As COVID-19 continues to quickly evolve, we want to ensure public safety and the

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 12 March 2020

It was a beautiful almost-spring day today. All still water remains ice-covered and snow is deep in the woods, but patches of bare ground are slowly expanding on south-facing slopes along the highway. New migrants this week included European Starling (Mar 6), Herring Gull (Mar 8) and Canada

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 5 March 2020

Birders enjoyed the ongoing good variety and numbers of winter finches this week. Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin were reported in song. Canada Jay researchers had found 12 nests under construction by today. Spruce Grouse continued to feed and roost in spruce

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 27 February 2020

This was a week of contrasts: early spring-like sunny and mild conditions (Feb 23-25) followed by a cold and windy blizzard (Feb 27). Current reported snow depth is 87 centimetres (34 inches). Signs of “pre-spring” included: a few Wild Turkeys away from feeders along the highway edge; a male

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 20 February 2020

There were lots of birders in the Park this week and they were treated to a continuing good variety of winter finches. The Visitor Centre feeders and parking lot remain productive. At least 100 people saw Spruce Grouse on Saturday, including those on the “Winter in the Wild Festival” morning

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 13 February 2020

The Opeongo Road is being plowed again as far as the winter gate to aid in long-term Canada Jay research in Algonquin Park. Snowplowing is made possible through the support of the University of Guelph and The Friends of Algonquin Park. If you use this road, please consider supporting Canada Jay

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 6 February 2020

This week featured milder temperatures and lots of birders. Spruce Grouse were observed and photographed daily and there were apparently increasing numbers of some winter finches. Unusual at this Time in Algonquin Hooded Merganser: a pair photographed on the Oxtongue River at Western

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 31 January 2020

At roughly the middle of official winter there are now 60 cm of snow on the ground in Algonquin, compared to 72 cm at this time last year. However, the walking trails are packed down and easily accessible. Numerous birders reported most of the Park’s specialty boreal species, and moderate

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 25 January 2020

Boreal Species Spruce Grouse: one was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 19 and 24, the latter near the start of the trail. Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was along Opeongo Road on Jan 23. Canada Jay: reported at Bat Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and Logging

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 18 January 2020

Spruce Grouse: no reports this week. Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the register box is the best place to search right now. Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was photographed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 15. Canada Jay: observed at Mizzy Lake Trail, Mew Lake Campground, Opeongo Road, Spruce

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 11 January 2020

Spruce Grouse: a male and a female were noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk this week Black-backed Woodpecker: singles reported along the Logging Museum Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, and road between Airfield parking lot and Mew Lake Campground. Canada Jay: observed on Opeongo Road and

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 19 to 26 December 2019

Spruce Grouse: one at the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Dec 21. Northern Goshawk: adult photographed at Head Creek Marsh (Old Railway Bike Trail) on Dec 22. Black-backed Woodpecker: noted at Hardwood Lookout Trail (Dec 23), Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Dec 23 and 24), Canada Jay: observed at Head

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 12 to 19 December 2019

Canada Jay: observed on Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: only report was one along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed on December 18. No reports of Spruce Grouse or Black-backed Woodpecker this week. Finches continued to be reported in low numbers but good variety. Evening

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 2 to 9 May 2019

Snow is now confined to deeply shaded areas and plowed piles, but still widespread. All smaller lakes and ponds along the Highway 60 are open. The larger lakes (Canoe, Smoke and Opeongo) still have extensive ice. The late spring is reflected in a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on May 4 which tied our third

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 25 April to 2 May 2019

Bare ground is extensive now, but snow persists on north-facing and shaded areas. Small lakes and ponds are becoming ice-free and there are some big areas of open water where rivers enter the larger lakes. However, the usual reduction in new spring arrivals at this time and fewer birders here

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 18 to 25 April 2019

Significant rainfall and higher temperatures this week reduced the snow cover dramatically but there is still lots of it in shaded areas. More open water encouraged the arrival of several overdue water birds, but lakes are still mainly ice-covered except where rivers and creeks flow into them.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 11 to 18 April 2019

Areas of bare ground are more widespread now, but mushy snow is still extensive and often knee-deep. All ponds and lakes remained ice-covered as of today. However, an “irruption” of keen birders and the arrival of a warm southern airflow resulted in many observations of newly-arrived migrants

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 4 to 11 April 2019

The snow this week measured 75 cm at the West Gate and 60 cm at the East Gate; exceptionally deep for this time period. Open water remains scarce but there was some increase in limited areas of bare ground facing the sun. First-of-spring species included: Brown-headed Cowbird and Sandhill Crane

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 28 March to 4 April 2019

The reported average snow depth in Algonquin has now increased to about 60 cm; the few areas of open water are limited to places where there is current (and they continue to partly freeze over again during cold nights); and there are only a few areas of bare ground (primarily on south-facing

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 21 to 28 March 2019

More first-of-spring species were reported, including: SONG SPARROW (March 21), COMMON GRACKLE (March 22), RED-TAILED HAWK (March 23), COMMON MERGANSER (March 24), TURKEY VULTURE (March 26), and WOOD DUCK and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (March 27). Most of these sightings are near the average arrival

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 14 to 21 March 2019 (Additional Sightings)

A pair of BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were displaying and drumming together at a location along the first couple of kilometres of Arowhon Road (gated but accessible on foot) on March 20. A BOREAL CHICKADEE was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 20.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 14 to 21 March 2019

Spring migration actually got going a bit this week with the arrival of SNOW BUNTING (March 17), RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (March 19), CANADA GOOSE and HERRING GULL (March 20) and AMERICAN ROBIN and EUROPEAN STARLING (today). However, the average snow depth has only gone from 80 cm last week to 61

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 7 to 14 March 2019

There were a few more signs of eventual spring this week. Temperatures were above freezing for at least part of most days. The average snow depth compacted and melted down to 80 cm from the 83 cm here three weeks ago (whoopee!). Crows are becoming widespread. Ravens were seen carrying nest

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 28 February to 7 March 2019

Continued abnormally cold temperatures and often windy conditions reduced the number of birders and reports this week. No new “spring” migrants were observed. A ROCK PIGEON photographed along the highway edge near Opeongo Road on Mar 6 was very early for this occasional wanderer here. At

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 21 to 28 February 2019

Despite extremely cold temperatures and gale-force winds mid-week, there were a good number of birders in the Park and birds reported during the period. Further signs of coming spring included an AMERICAN CROW in Mew Lake Campground (the usual time and location of the first arriving migrants

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 14 to 21 February 2019

With an average 83 cm (33 in) of snow on the ground, it seemed a little optimistic to look for signs of spring this week but there was at least one. Researchers found the first CANADA JAY nest under construction on Thursday (Feb 21). It appears that two WILD TURKEYS are continuing at Mew Lake

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 7 to 14 February 2019

Some moderation in temperatures appeared to encourage more birders to visit the Park but a major snowfall over two days near the end of the week largely shut activity down. Some additional winter finch species were detected, perhaps indicative of returning birds. Noteworthy species of the week

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 31 January to 7 February 2019

Unfortunately, the Visitor Centre was closed most of this week for emergency repairs but it opened again today. Inconvenience caused for park visitors is sincerely regretted. Since most recent bird reports have been from the Visitor Centre feeders, this week’s post has limited information.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 24 to 31 January 2019

Even colder temperatures this week produced the polar vortex version of the “Groundhog Day” movie (1993) here with respect to bird reports: little change! Boreal resident sightings included two SPRUCE GROUSE at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 26. That location and Opeongo Road north of the

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 17 to 24 January 2019

Saturday to Tuesday of this week produced the coldest stretch of days here so far this winter, reaching below minus 30 degrees C by Tuesday. Fortunately, a good number of birders came to Algonquin Park despite the cold and some interesting observations resulted. Black-backed Woodpecker

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 10 to 17 January 2019

Some days with cold temperatures, even colder wind chill temperatures and occasional heavy snow squalls combined to dramatically reduce birding activity and reports this week. The limited information that did come in suggested little change. Residents: One to three Ruffed Grouse are being

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 3 to 10 January 2019

The apparent movement of winter finches through Algonquin Park that has been observed during this late fall/early winter may have largely ended. Numbers and species reported are fairly consistent now. However, the arrival of more finches later this winter is still possible, especially if food

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 27 December 2018 to 3 January 2019

The influx of birders during this week of the holidays and 83 observers on the Christmas Bird Count of Dec 29 combined to produce a better idea of the birds along the Highway 60 Corridor. However, the number of species and individuals observed remained low. A male and female BUFFLEHEAD were

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 20 to 27 December 2018

Birding in Algonquin was limited during the Christmas week and so there is relatively little new information to report. RUFFED GROUSE (one), and WILD TURKEY (five) continued at the Visitor Centre feeders all week, but the COMMON GRACKLE that had been there daily since November 12 was last

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 13 to 20 December 2018

The weather was more birder-friendly this week, which resulted in more reports. Noteworthy for Algonquin were:  a NORTHERN SHRIKE photographed just east of km 43 (Dec 15); nine BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS near the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder (Dec 18); and two SNOW BUNTINGS at the Visitor Centre

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 6 to 13 December 2018

There were fewer reports this week, but some interesting observations. On Dec 8, a NORTHERN SHRIKE made an unsuccessful pass at one of the many Black-capped Chickadees coming to bird seed left by park visitors near the winter gate on Opeongo Road. A light-coloured redpoll was seen in a small

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 29 November to 6 December 2018

Better weather and more birders produced reports of more birds this week. An adult GOLDEN EAGLE (photo) soaring over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Dec 4 was likely one of the small overwintering population in Algonquin that feeds on wolf kills. Four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (photo) on Nov 30 and Dec 1, plus

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 to 29 November 2018

Temperatures moderated, several days had periods of wet snow and rain, and birders and their reports were scarce in Algonquin this week. The Visitor Centre feeders attracted EVENING GROSBEAK (about a dozen or fewer each day, but 27 on Nov 29), PINE GROSBEAK (two to five each day), COMMON

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 15 to 22 November 2018

This week featured very cold temperatures (for the date), frequent strong winds and significant snowfall, which combined to reduce the amount of birding done and reported. Snow depth is now about 25 cm (10 inches), and all lakes along Highway 60 except Smoke and Two Rivers are fully

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 8 to 15 November 2018

Small lakes and ponds froze over on the cold night of Nov 10-11, and heavy snowfall occurred last night and today. Gates are now closed for the winter on the following roads: Arowhon, Centennial Ridges, Rock Lake and Opeongo (at Cameron Lake Road junction). The following observations

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 1 to 8 November 2018

Extended periods of strong winds, rain and some snow during the week appeared to reduce the birder activity. Another pelagic (“two men and a boat” this time) on Lake Opeongo, November 2, noted HORNED GREBE (1), RED-NECKED GREBE (2) and GREATER YELLOWLEGS (3). The best find of the week was a

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 25 October to 1 November 2018

A heavy covering of snow occurred early in the week, but most of the snow has now melted during recent rain and higher temperatures. Mild conditions resulted in late observations for several species. A very successful one-person “pelagic” on October 28, covering most of Lake Opeongo after

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 18 to 25 October 2018

The cold temperatures, significant wet snowfall (Wednesday) and north winds this week coincided with first-of-fall observations of several species, including: AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (21st), SNOW BUNTING (22nd), BRANT (flock of 550 photographed over the Mizzy Lake Trail railbed on the 24th),

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 4 to 18 October 2018

Noteworthy observations during the two-week period included: SNOW GOOSE (twelve in a large flock of migrating Canadas photographed over the Old Airfield on October 13); NORTHERN SHOVELER (two photographed high over Opeongo Road on October 17, a new latest fall date for this very rare species in

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park: Say’s Phoebe

Hi everyone, Took the long way home and stopped to look for the Phoebe. The bird is still present in the same area as previously reported. Good birding, Bruce Sent from my iPhone ___ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO)

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 31 May 2018

Most species seen this week were summer residents, with only a few late migrants still being reported. Our weekly birding updates will start again in the Fall. Thanks to everyone for your observations and support. Spruce Grouse are harder to find now. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Three

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: May 24

Very few arrivals to report from Algonquin Park this week as we near the end of May. Three new species of warblers for this spring in the Park were recorded: Canada Warbler (May 18), Wilson’s Warbler (May 22), and an Orange- crowned Warbler (May 20). Lincoln’s Sparrow arrived about a week later

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: May 18

A few more spring migrants trickled into Algonquin Park this week and enjoyed the continuing warm weather. New spring arrivals on May 11 included Cape May Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Rose- breasted Grosbeak, Veery and Gray Catbird. Two Solitary Sandpipers were recorded at the Old Railway Bike

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: April 27-May 10

Warm weather continued the past two weeks here in Algonquin Park and produced a few more spring migrants. The highlight of the past couple of weeks was the discovery of a Fish Crow observed at Mew Lake Campground on May 1 (and also observed May 2 and 3 at Mew Lake Campground and Lake of Two

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 26 April 2018

As cold persisted early in the week, the few arriving migrants were at least two weeks later than average including Fox Sparrow (April 18) and Wood Duck (April 20). The first warm, sunny day (April 21) produced only one new arrival (Northern Harrier) as migration remained on hold. But even

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park OFO Trip Tomorrow (April 21): Notice to Participants

Just wanted to remind everyone that despite the relative warmth and sunshine today, waterproof footwear will be required for this trip to contend with meltwater and wet snow up to about 30 cm in depth in some places. The snow is packed down where people have walked on trails, such as Spruce Bog

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 19 April 2018

This week’s freezing rain, ice pellets, snow and high winds were very disheartening for birders and everybody else, but this weather will make us that much more appreciative of spring when it does arrive …. in June! Due to the poor conditions there were fewer birders in the Park and only a few

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 12 April 2018

Although a little milder this week, conditions were still more winter-like than spring-like. Ice remains thick and “to-the-shore” on lakes and there is an average of 25 cm of snow on the ground with more forecast for the coming weekend. However, some migrants pushed northward to reach Algonquin

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 5 April 2018

For those who have not yet gotten around to coming to Algonquin Park to see the winter birds, there is good news! Most of the finch species are still here and you did not miss winter either. It was minus 23 degrees C. in the predawn with 28 cm of snow on the ground (15 cm of it new this week)

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 29 March 2018

Following seven days with sunshine but cold temperatures, Monday started clear and cold but the thermometer rose well above freezing during the day. After birders (including myself with the OFO Young Birders) had no luck finding Spruce Grouse during the cold and sometimes windy weekend, some

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 March 2018

Continuing night temperatures well below freezing, north winds, persisting extensive snow cover (averaging about 22 cm) and very limited areas of open water all combined to stifle migration this week. However, there were a few signs of spring, including an apparent migrant Red-tailed Hawk

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 15 March 2018

Temperatures well below freezing caused the few open water areas to be reduced by ice formation and new snow covered the scarce patches of bare ground this week. New migrants were limited to Snow Bunting (March 8) and Mourning Dove (March 9). However, it was a good time to see Otters on the ice

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 8 March 2018

Snow is now reduced to an average depth of about 13 cm, with a hard crust, and some areas are bare. All lakes remain frozen, but rivers and creeks are opening up. Mallard (km 21), Merlin (at the East Gate and at Mew Lake Campground) and Red-winged Blackbird (Visitor Centre feeder) were all

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 1 March 2018

There were a few more early signs of spring again this week. First sightings of Canada Goose, Herring Gull and European Starling were notably early. Northern Shrikes at km 38 (February 22) and the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail parking lot (February 27) may have been individuals moving back

Re: [Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 February 2018

Hi Ron, My daughter and I are thinking about camping / birding Algonquin. When is the best time for various northern birds. Also is there fishing in the park? Thanks Dean On Feb 22, 2018 11:15 PM, "Ron Tozer via ONTBIRDS" wrote: > Algonquin Park began to experience

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 February 2018

Algonquin Park began to experience “pre-spring” by the end of the week as temperatures went up and snow depth went down. American Crows, the first migrants, were spotted on February 19 and 21. Researchers found the first Canada Jay nest under construction on February 19. And a Northern Saw-whet

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 15 February 2018

The spotting of a female White-winged Crossbill returning to her nest high in a white spruce and then apparently incubating for the next 20 minutes of observation was a remarkable discovery on February 10. Despite research in Algonquin Park on crossbill behaviour and breeding activities dating

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 8 February 2018

Winter finches are being seen regularly on Highway 60, especially after snowfalls when sand and salt have been applied to the roadway. Numbers are greater along the road before traffic becomes heavier by mid-morning. Some Red Crossbills are breeding now, with both mating and courtship feeding

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 1 February 2018

The most unusual bird reported this week was an American Crow at the parking lot near the winter gate on Opeongo Road on January 27. It was a classic day (above freezing temperature) and location (a place where people put out bird food) for a rare winter crow sighting here. The crow probably

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 25 January 2018

The most notable bird this week was an adult Golden Eagle observed in flight near Smoke Creek Bridge on Highway 60, January 20. Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the past week: -Spruce Grouse: two were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and a male was along

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 18 January 2018

As an “old guy” myself, I was pleased when the male Spruce Grouse that was colour-banded in 2009 and is now at least 10 years old was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 14. According to Birds of North America, the estimated annual survival rate of male Spruce Grouse (canadensis

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 11 January 2018

Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the past week: -Spruce Grouse: one was found at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 4 and 10 -Ruffed Grouse: continue to be seen along the Visitor Centre driveway and under the feeders below the viewing deck. -Wild Turkey:

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 4 January 2018

The Algonquin Park Christmas Bird Count, held this year on December 30, always provides a good early winter overview of the birds and their relative abundance. The following discussion includes the CBC totals in brackets. Red-breasted Nuthatch (720), Red Crossbill (359), White-winged Crossbill

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 28 December 2017 - Addendum

Common Redpoll: A flock of about 40 was observed on Opeongo Road yesterday, which may indicate that this species is starting to move southward in greater numbers. Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON. DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 28 December 2017

This week’s extremely cold temperatures seemed at odds with evidence of breeding activity by White-winged Crossbills in the Park. A male was observed feeding a female (“courtship feeding”) near the Old Airfield, and three or four males were singing along Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on December 24.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 21 December 2017

Two American Martens (often together) have been coming regularly to the Visitor Centre feeders to eat black sunflower seeds on the ground. They can be seen at close range from the viewing deck. Average snow depth in the Park is now about 19 cm. -Wild Turkey: eleven (a high number for

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 14 December 2017

All Highway 60 lakes are now ice-covered, with the last two freezing over on December 11 (Lake of Two Rivers) and 13 (Smoke Lake). Average snow depth is about 15 cm. The suet feeders are now in place at the Visitor Centre and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk at the trail register box. -Northern

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 7 December 2017

About 30 cm of new snow arrived over the last two days. Rock Lake Road and Arowhon Road are not maintained by park staff during winter and will be gated at Highway 60 until spring. -Ruffed Grouse: one or two are regular along the Visitor Centre driveway and getting seed below the feeders.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 30 November 2017

There was much melting of the shallow snow cover this week. Large lakes are open. Winter listers should find a good variety of winter finches in Algonquin now. The winter gate on Opeongo Road is closed. Snowy Owl: one was photographed flying southwest near dusk, high over the Old Airfield,

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: early November summary

As of today, there is a heavy covering of snow on the ground and a few shallow ponds and small lakes along the Highway 60 Corridor are ice-covered. However, it is still fall even if it felt like winter on a couple of minus 15-degree mornings this week. There were fresh Bear tracks in the snow

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 20 April 2017

Significant melting of snow and opening up of some small lakes and ponds occurred this week. All larger lakes remain ice-covered. New arrivals continued to appear, but fewer than last week (see list below). Fox Sparrows were at the Visitor Centre all week, peaking at seven birds on April 20.

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 13 April 2017

An influx of warm southern air, new migrants and many birders from Saturday to Monday resulted in some excellent early spring birding. See the list of new arrivals below. However, knee-deep snow persists in north-facing and shaded areas. There is good walking on trails. There is more open water

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 6 April 2017

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

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 30 March 2017

After two weeks with no new arrivals, several were reported this week: Mourning Dove (March 25); Red-tailed Hawk (March 27); Hooded Merganser (March 28); Northern Saw-whet Owl and Merlin (March 29); and American Black Duck, American Robin and Common Grackle (today). Snow on the ground remains

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 16 March 2017

The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with full services (exhibits, book store and restaurant) during March Break (March 11 to 19). There were no signs of new migration during this week, likely due in large measure to unusually cold temperatures, gusty winds and

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 9 March 2017

The Visitor Centre (km 43) will be open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with full services (exhibits, book store and restaurant) during March Break (March 11 to 19). There were few signs of new migration during the very cold temperatures that prevailed for most of the week. The first Red-winged

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 2 March 2017

Warmer temperatures earlier in the week resulted in record-early spring records for Canada Goose (a pair on February 25), Lesser Scaup (male photographed on open water of the Madawaska River on February 26) and American Tree Sparrow (February 25). Other signs of spring-to-come included a pair

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 23 February 2017

Tomorrow (February 24) will be the final Bird Feeder Friday in Algonquin Park this winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to sunset to catch all the action. Watch at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php The past week had

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 16 February 2017

Winter in the Wild Festival 2017 will take place on Saturday (February 18). It will have many great activities to choose from, including two Guided Winter Bird Walks on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (at km 42.5) from 10 am to 11:30 am and 2:30 to 4 pm. Your Park use permit entitles you to free

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 2 February 2017

Great opportunities to see, enjoy and photograph winter birds continued in the Park this week. Ruffed Grouse were seen regularly along the Visitor Centre driveway, and the female Wild Turkey is still coming daily to the parking lot feeder there. A Northern Shrike, perhaps the bird at Lookout

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 26 January 2017

Lots of birders and lots of birds for them to see this week, with more pleasant temperatures as well. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: Observers were seeing a total of two (and sometimes three) from near the parking lot to the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the weekend. Black-backed

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 19 January 2017

Tomorrow, January 20, will be the first of three Bird Feeder Fridays this winter. Others will occur on February 10 and 24. The Visitor Centre webcam will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to sunset. Watch at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php Yesterday, the

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Update: 16 January 2017

The road-killed moose placed in the Sunday Creek valley, off the Visitor Centre viewing deck, has been attracting a variety of birds and mammals. Sightings have included: wolves (briefly on January 8), fisher (January 14 and 15), American marten (January 14), red fox (most days), Common Ravens

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 12 January 2017

A road-killed moose has been placed in the Sunday Creek Bog again this year. It can be seen from the Visitor Centre viewing deck, especially with the telescope provided there. The carcass had not attracted the expected birds and mammals by today, but that may change soon. The female Wild Turkey

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Monday Jan 2

Here are a few comments about my sightings today. The area in the vicinity of the visitor centre had the greatest number and variety of birds as noted in previous reports. Evening Grosbeaks dominated here but there were flocks of goldfinches, several Pine Grosbeaks getting grit on the driveway, a

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 29 December 2016

The Visitor Centre at km 43 will be open daily during the period of December 27 to January 8, from 9 am to 5 pm. The feeders there are continuing to attract numerous birds. The female Wild Turkey is still coming to the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder, but the immature male Red-winged Blackbird

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 22 December 2016

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

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 8 December 2016

The Park was transformed into a beautiful winter landscape this week, with lots of snow on the ground. Only the larger lakes remain open. A Short-eared Owl being chased by a raven was photographed at the Old Airfield on December 4. Our previous latest fall date for this very rare migrant owl in

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 1 December 2016

There is relatively little change in the birding situation compared with last week, but mild temperatures and rain have greatly reduced the snow cover that we had. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed (currently accessible via Arowhon Road).

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 24 November 2016

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

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Update: late October - early November

BOREAL SPECIALTIES Birders have had some recent 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 north

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 14 to 21 April 2016

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

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park OFO trip: 16 April 2016

About 85 people enjoyed a magnificent sunny early spring day in Algonquin Park on Saturday. The 18 degrees reached in the afternoon must surely be the highest temperature in the 27 years of this OFO trip. Although the extensive snow on the ground in shaded areas restricted our movements, we had a

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 7 to 14 April 2016

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

[Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 31 March to 7 April 2016

Recent snowfall, including 20 cm Wednesday over night and lingering cold temperatures have slowed the arrival of migrants. New migrants this week include: 1 male Common Goldeneye was seen on the Opeongo Road on April 1, and 1 Fox Sparrow was seen at the Visitor Centre on April 2.

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