Yesterday, Tuesday Nov. 27th Ian Cannell and I went up to Algonquin on a beautiful late fall day. Weather was great, wind quite calm, sunny and only about 2 to 3 inches on the ground with most roads clear and following are some of the birds we found.
- Ruffed Grouse – 3 high in trees in the early morning at the West Gate - Hairy Woodpecker – 5 - Black-backed Woodpecker – 2 adult males within a few feet of us along Opeongo Rd north of the Hermit Creek bridge - Horned Lark – 1 along Hwy 60 – across from the start of Arowhon Rd in the grassy area where the float plane usually parks (Smoke Lake) - Pine Grosbeak – 18 – Arowhon and Opeongo Roads - Gray Jay – 10 – West Rose Lake, Spruce Bog parking area, and Opeongo Rd - Red-breasted Nuthatch – 11 – all of above areas as well as the Visitor Centre feeders - White-winged Crossbill – Spruce Bog – at east end of the boardwalk - Red Crossbills – seen by others – same area as White-wings - Evening Grosbeak – 3 at Visitor Centre feeders - Boreal Chickadee – 4 – along Opeongo Rd north of the Hermit Creek bridge – another one was found by others in the same area as the Red Crossbills noted above - Common Redpolls – West Rose Lake Directions:- ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK - PER RON TOZER Algonquin Provincial Park (fee) 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. Locations are also described at:www.algonquin park.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and in formation. The Visitor Centre restaurant is not open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase,as well as the use of a microwave. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm.Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.For more information see Algonquin Park events calendar at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/ Sent from my Mulberry Norm Murr 303-48 Laverock Ave. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 4J5 _______________________________________________ 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/
