Maximum snow depth in the Park now is about 15 centimetres (6 inches). The last lake along Highway 60 with open water (Smoke Lake) froze over by week's end.
Few birders visited during the Christmas period and so reports are very limited this week. Notable sightings this week: Bald Eagle: adult reported near the West Gate on December 26. Northern Shrike: one at Spruce Bog Boardwalk today. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Black-backed Woodpecker: Try Opeongo Road. Gray Jay: seen regularly along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, at the Visitor Centre and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: no reports. Try Sprucebog Boardwalk. FINCHES: Common Redpoll: one reported at the Visitor Centre parking lot today. American Goldfinch: a few seen occasionally. Evening Grosbeak: about 40 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders now. VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 1, FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM. For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin 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 the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The Visitor Centre restaurant is not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
