After several weeks with virtually no change in the birds present, there were a few different species observed this week. The only obvious change in conditions was that milder temperatures prevailed. Perhaps this was a factor in getting birds moving around?
A Sharp-shinned Hawk (very rare here in winter) buzzed the goldfinches at the Visitor Centre feeders on January 17. A Northern Shrike was near the feeders on January 18. About eight Bohemian Waxwings (very rare here in winter) were along Highway 60 at the West Boundary on January 16. White-throated Sparrow: one still at the Visitor Centre feeder. Four Snow Buntings came to the Visitor Centre feeders on January 18 for the first time this winter. There were seven by January 19, but none today. Boreal Species: Spruce Grouse: Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was at Post 9 on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 17; a female was in black spruce bog east of the bridge on Opeongo Road on January 18; and a female was 150 m north of the gate on Opeongo Road today. The latter bird responded to Barred Owl imitations by the observer. Gray Jay: present this week at Visitor Centre feeder; on Opeongo Road at the gate and at the bridge; and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Boreal Chickadee: three plus in black spruce bog east of the bridge on Opeongo Road on January 18; and three in black spruce along the Opeongo Road north of the bridge today. Winter Finches: Pine Grosbeak: female still coming to the Visitor Centre feeder. Pine Siskin: one heard on Opeongo Road today. American Goldfinch: About 70 daily at the Visitor Centre feeders now. Mammals: At least six or seven different pine martens (including one with a radio collar) are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders, although usually only two or three are present at a time and not continuously. Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60, especially near dawn and dusk. 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. The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. The centre is open to the public on weekends only from 10 am to 4 pm until January 31. Birder access to the building through the service entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on weekends, but not full meal service. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
