Still lots of snow here and frequently cold mornings, including minus 32 degrees C. today. No migrants have been reported yet.
A moose carcass was placed in the Sunday Creek bog below the Visitor Centre on February 25. So far, only one or two Common Ravens have shown much interest. Wolves may be visiting it at night and have been heard howling in the morning. There could be good viewing opportunities from the Visitor Centre deck this weekend. Birds reported this week included: Black-backed Woodpecker: one on the Fen Lake Ski Trail along Gateway Creek at intersection C on February 27. Northern Shrike: one on Opeongo Road at the Cameron Lake Road on February 26. Boreal Chickadee: several continued to visit the suet feeder at Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Red Crossbill: two on the Visitor Centre driveway on February 27. Common Redpoll: about 100 are still at the Visitor Centre feeders. Hoary Redpoll: one exilipes among the Common Redpolls on February 24 and 26. Pine Siskin: two at the Visitor Centre feeders. Please let us know your sightings. 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 and restaurant are open weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. During the week, birders may be able to enter the centre by the service entrance (far right as you face the building) to view the feeders. Contact staff for permission. 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 birdalert@ontbirds.ca For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
