Tomorrow, February 10, will be the second Bird Feeder Friday this winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to 5 pm. To see large numbers of Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders, an uncommon occurrence in southern Ontario since the 1970s, watch tomorrow at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
You will also be able to see a review of observations from Bird Feeder Friday on January 20th. The most recent observation of a Northern Goshawk at Spruce Bog Boardwalk was on the 5th. A Northern Shrike was chased by Blue Jays near the Visitor Centre deck on the 4th and likely the same bird was hunting goldfinches at the parking lot feeder there the next day. BOREAL SPECIALTIES Spruce Grouse: There were no reports this week but the Spruce Bog Boardwalk birds will likely be found again soon. Black-backed Woodpecker: One was observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the 5th. Gray Jay: They were still regular at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road near the locked gate and at the Logging Museum parking lot. Boreal Chickadee: At least one continued to be seen regularly near the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk and around the suet feeder there. Another individual was found at Mew Lake Campground. WINTER FINCHES Pine Grosbeak: A few were seen along Highway 60 this week. One was at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on several days. Purple Finch: Four males were reported with some siskins at km 20 on the 4th. Red Crossbill: Most sightings were again of only one to three birds, but were widespread. There were twenty near Lake of Two Rivers on the 6th. White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill was also usually seen in fairly small numbers, but sightings were regular. High numbers were about 20. Common Redpoll: Sightings of very small numbers continued. On the 5th, there were reports of two on Bat Lake Trail and five on Mizzy Lake Trail. Pine Siskin: A gradual increase may be occurring. There were 25 at km 10 on the 3rd and 30 on Mizzy Lake Trail on the 4th. However, most reports involved small numbers. American Goldfinch: Up to 120 continued at the Visitor Centre feeders daily. Evening Grosbeak: The Visitor Centre feeders attracted at least 100 every day. Small groups are still coming for bird seed left at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and near the locked gate on Opeongo Road, as well. 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). 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
