A few birders and photographers enjoyed the spectacular winter scenery here this week amid cold but often sunny conditions. The Opeongo Road gate was open, and the road plowed all the way to the lake, allowing easier than usual access. Aggressive "come-to-your-hand-for-seed" Black-capped Chickadees were appreciated by several people at the Opeongo Road gate.
The White-throated Sparrow persisted all week at the Visitor Centre. The 60 or more American Goldfinches continued to come to the Visitor Centre feeders. One female Pine Grosbeak was around the feeders from at least December 27 to 29. Boreal Species: -Spruce Grouse: No reports. Check Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. -Gray Jay: There were four at the Visitor Centre regularly. -Boreal Chickadee: No reports. Try Opeongo Road. -Black-backed Woodpecker: One was at the gate on Opeongo Road on December 28. Mammals: -Marten and at least one Fisher were fairly regular at the Visitor Centre. THE VISITOR CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY (10 TO 4) FROM DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 3. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for our Visitor Centre records. Good birding and Happy New Year. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, Ontario 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. 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. _______________________________________________ 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/
