The following summarizes the birding situation in Algonquin Provincial Park for northern species during the past week.
NEW INFORMATION SINCE LAST WEEK IS PRESENTED AT THE START OF EACH SPECIES ACCOUNT BELOW. Walking Conditions: Snow remains only in deeply shaded and north-facing areas. However, there are many patches of is ice-covered ground in shaded areas that are extremely slippery. Be careful. Spruce Grouse: A male was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, off the trail 30 m west (left) of the register box on March 27. Areas to search include: Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5 on Highway 60); the black spruce area south of Highway 60 opposite Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and Opeongo Road (located at km 46.3) near the locked gate, and farther north in black spruce bog area on the right (east) side. American Three-toed Woodpecker: At Spruce Bog: a male was near the start of the trail on March 23; a female was observed at the red pine area beyond the long boardwalk across the bog on March 24; a female (probably a different individual) was seen 20 metres down the trail from the parking lot on March 26; and a male was observed behind the parking lot toilets on March 27. Listening for the relatively quiet tapping sounds made by the American Three-toed as it flakes off bark is the best way to find them. Black-backed Woodpecker: A male was inspecting holes in a utility pole at km 53, and a male and female were on poles at km 8, on March 23. Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Opeongo Road, and utility poles at km 8 on Highway 60 are good areas to search. Check all conifer sites where de-barked trees are in evidence. Imitations of Barred Owl calls, and pishing, may elicit calls or movements by this woodpecker, helping to locate them. Gray Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot and Opeongo Road are still the best places to look. One bird has started making occasional visits to the Visitor Centre feeder again. Boreal Chickadee: One was heard on Spruce Bog Boardwalk trail, near Post 6 on March 24, and three were seen and heard along Opeongo Road in the bordering black spruce north of the Costello Creek culvert (requiring a walk on the road from the locked gate) on March 27. Red Crossbill: Still regular in small groups along Highway 60, especially in the morning when finches concentrate at cracks in the pavement where sand and salt have concentrated. White-winged Crossbill: Still numerous, many in song. Often on the highway pavement and shoulder, seeking sand and salt. Evening Grosbeak: About 50 are coming daily to the Visitor Centre feeder, and others are being reported elsewhere along Highway 60. Purple Finch, Pine Siskin (abundant) and American Goldfinch (scarce) were reported again this week. Watch for flocks along the highway. You need to slow down and blow your horn to avoid hitting them. Note: both the Arowhon Road and Rock Lake Road are posted CLOSED TO PUBLIC TRAVEL this winter, and should not be used by birders. As always, please let us know the date, number and location of birds you observe when you visit Algonquin Park. This information is stored in the Algonquin Visitor Centre database, and will help us to assist other birders visiting the Park. Thanks. Good luck. Ron Tozer 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 on Highway 60 in the park go from the West Gate (km 0) to the East Gate (km 56). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter. The free Algonquin 2006 Information Guide has a map showing the location of sites mentioned in this report. The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open weekends, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders, can be found there. Contact staff via the Visitor Centre service entrance during working hours on weekdays for access to view the feeders.
