Poplars and some other trees and shrubs are starting to leaf out as this incredibly early spring continues. Wildflowers in the hardwood forest are spectacular and moose were more numerous along the highway this week.
New migrants included: American Bittern, Broad-winged Hawk, Blue-headed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. Wild Turkey: single females were seen at various locations along Highway 60 and a male was at Park Lake this week. Common Loon: they slowly became more widespread by the end of the week. Merlin: Pair at Harkness Lab on Lake Opeongo on April 18 and pair at Rock Lake Campground on April 19. Spruce Grouse: male and female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, north from trail register box on April 18. Up to three birds at Sims Pit bend on Arowhon Road just south of the old railway crossing on April 18 and 19. Black-backed Woodpecker: male excavating nest cavity in third utility pole west of road into Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking lot at km 53.9 on April 18. Gray Jay: pair near chain gate along old railway east of Arowhon Road and pair along old railway at West Rose Lake on Mizzy Lake Trail on April 18. Boreal Chickadee: At least three vocalizing birds allowing brief but good views along old railway near West Rose Lake on April 18. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Birders are encouraged to add their sightings of newly arrived migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby. 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 details on recent sightings, feeders, and park information, and is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Starting this weekend. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant, but not full meal service at this time. Algonquin Park birding updates and information are also 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/
