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 Goose (Mar 9). Canada Jay researchers had found nests on 14 territories by today and the first female began incubating on Mar 4. A Northern Goshawk chased by two ravens on Opeongo Road (Mar 11) was a notable sighting.
Boreal Species Spruce Grouse: a male and a female continued to be seen regularly near the Spruce Bog Boardwalk entrance until at least Mar 8, but less reliably after that. Black-backed Woodpecker: being reported more often now as males are drumming; observed along Opeongo Road, at the Logging Museum, and at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Canada Jay: seen regularly at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, Mew Lake Campground and the Logging Museum. BOREAL CHICKADEE: at last, one was seen and heard calling on the railbed between the chain gate and Wolf Howl Pond on Mar 8. The frequency of calling by males increases in late Feb and Mar. Winter Finches Evening Grosbeak: from 10 to 30 were at the Visitor Centre feeders daily, and one or two were reported on Opeongo Road. PINE GROSBEAK: two were noted on Opeongo Road (Mar 7) and three were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Mar 8). Purple Finch: small flocks continue to be seen along Highway 60 and at the Visitor Centre. Red Crossbill: continue to be widespread in small numbers. White-winged Crossbill: widely observed in moderate numbers, with frequent singing males. Pine Siskin: seemed a little more numerous this week and singing was often reported; nest-building is likely underway. American Goldfinch: observed frequently along the highway and up to 23 at the Visitor Centre. Additional birds seen regularly at the Visitor Centre included: Wild Turkey (6), Ruffed Grouse (1), American Tree Sparrow (8), Dark-eyed Junco (2) and the now-singing Red-winged Blackbird (first year male present since Jan 8). The Friends of Algonquin Park is offering live streaming views of the feeders at the Visitor Centre daily, during both the day and night. Wildlife monitoring activities are expected to continue at the feeders until March 31, but warmer weather conditions may end operations sooner. Tune in to see what is active: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/wild_bird_cam.php 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 and during March Break (Mar 16 to 20) from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map showing birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON _______________________________________________ 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
