March 18, 2020 - Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and
Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, issued the
following update in response to COVID-19 developments: "As COVID-19 continues
to quickly evolve, we want to ensure public safety and the well
It was a beautiful almost-spring day today. All still water remains ice-covered
and snow is deep in the woods, but patches of bare ground are slowly expanding
on south-facing slopes along the highway. New migrants this week included
European Starling (Mar 6), Herring Gull (Mar 8) and Canada Goos
Birders enjoyed the ongoing good variety and numbers of winter finches this
week. Purple Finch, Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill and Pine Siskin were
reported in song. Canada Jay researchers had found 12 nests under construction
by today. Spruce Grouse continued to feed and roost in spruce
This was a week of contrasts: early spring-like sunny and mild conditions (Feb
23-25) followed by a cold and windy blizzard (Feb 27). Current reported snow
depth is 87 centimetres (34 inches). Signs of “pre-spring” included: a few Wild
Turkeys away from feeders along the highway edge; a male Ruf
There were lots of birders in the Park this week and they were treated to a
continuing good variety of winter finches. The Visitor Centre feeders and
parking lot remain productive. At least 100 people saw Spruce Grouse on
Saturday, including those on the “Winter in the Wild Festival” morning and
The Opeongo Road is being plowed again as far as the winter gate to aid in
long-term Canada Jay research in Algonquin Park. Snowplowing is made possible
through the support of the University of Guelph and The Friends of Algonquin
Park. If you use this road, please consider supporting Canada Jay
This week featured milder temperatures and lots of birders. Spruce Grouse were
observed and photographed daily and there were apparently increasing numbers of
some winter finches.
Unusual at this Time in Algonquin
Hooded Merganser: a pair photographed on the Oxtongue River at Western Upland
At roughly the middle of official winter there are now 60 cm of snow on the
ground in Algonquin, compared to 72 cm at this time last year. However, the
walking trails are packed down and easily accessible. Numerous birders reported
most of the Park’s specialty boreal species, and moderate number
Boreal Species
Spruce Grouse: one was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 19 and 24,
the latter near the start of the trail.
Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was along Opeongo Road on Jan 23.
Canada Jay: reported at Bat Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and
Logging Museum
Spruce Grouse: no reports this week. Spruce Bog Boardwalk near the register box
is the best place to search right now.
Black-backed Woodpecker: a female was photographed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on Jan 15.
Canada Jay: observed at Mizzy Lake Trail, Mew Lake Campground, Opeongo Road,
Spruce Bo
Spruce Grouse: a male and a female were noted at Spruce Bog Boardwalk this week
Black-backed Woodpecker: singles reported along the Logging Museum Trail,
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, and road between Airfield parking lot and
Mew Lake Campground.
Canada Jay: observed on Opeongo Road and S
Spruce Grouse: one at the start of Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Dec 21.
Northern Goshawk: adult photographed at Head Creek Marsh (Old Railway Bike
Trail) on Dec 22.
Black-backed Woodpecker: noted at Hardwood Lookout Trail (Dec 23), Spruce Bog
Boardwalk (Dec 23 and 24),
Canada Jay: observed at Head
Canada Jay: observed on Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
Boreal Chickadee: only report was one along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed on
December 18.
No reports of Spruce Grouse or Black-backed Woodpecker this week.
Finches continued to be reported in low numbers but good variety.
Evening Gro
Snow is now confined to deeply shaded areas and plowed piles, but still
widespread. All smaller lakes and ponds along the Highway 60 are open. The
larger lakes (Canoe, Smoke and Opeongo) still have extensive ice. The late
spring is reflected in a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK on May 4 which tied our third l
Bare ground is extensive now, but snow persists on north-facing and shaded
areas. Small lakes and ponds are becoming ice-free and there are some big areas
of open water where rivers enter the larger lakes. However, the usual reduction
in new spring arrivals at this time and fewer birders here as
Significant rainfall and higher temperatures this week reduced the snow cover
dramatically but there is still lots of it in shaded areas. More open water
encouraged the arrival of several overdue water birds, but lakes are still
mainly ice-covered except where rivers and creeks flow into them. D
Areas of bare ground are more widespread now, but mushy snow is still extensive
and often knee-deep. All ponds and lakes remained ice-covered as of today.
However, an “irruption” of keen birders and the arrival of a warm southern
airflow resulted in many observations of newly-arrived migrants th
The snow this week measured 75 cm at the West Gate and 60 cm at the East Gate;
exceptionally deep for this time period. Open water remains scarce but there
was some increase in limited areas of bare ground facing the sun.
First-of-spring species included: Brown-headed Cowbird and Sandhill Crane
The reported average snow depth in Algonquin has now increased to about 60 cm;
the few areas of open water are limited to places where there is current (and
they continue to partly freeze over again during cold nights); and there are
only a few areas of bare ground (primarily on south-facing slo
More first-of-spring species were reported, including: SONG SPARROW (March 21),
COMMON GRACKLE (March 22), RED-TAILED HAWK (March 23), COMMON MERGANSER (March
24), TURKEY VULTURE (March 26), and WOOD DUCK and AMERICAN BLACK DUCK (March
27). Most of these sightings are near the average arrival ti
A pair of BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were displaying and drumming together at a
location along the first couple of kilometres of Arowhon Road (gated but
accessible on foot) on March 20.
A BOREAL CHICKADEE was photographed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on March 20.
___
Spring migration actually got going a bit this week with the arrival of SNOW
BUNTING (March 17), RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (March 19), CANADA GOOSE and HERRING
GULL (March 20) and AMERICAN ROBIN and EUROPEAN STARLING (today). However, the
average snow depth has only gone from 80 cm last week to 61 cm
There were a few more signs of eventual spring this week. Temperatures were
above freezing for at least part of most days. The average snow depth compacted
and melted down to 80 cm from the 83 cm here three weeks ago (whoopee!). Crows
are becoming widespread. Ravens were seen carrying nest mater
Continued abnormally cold temperatures and often windy conditions reduced the
number of birders
and reports this week. No new “spring” migrants were observed. A ROCK PIGEON
photographed along
the highway edge near Opeongo Road on Mar 6 was very early for this occasional
wanderer here. At lea
Despite extremely cold temperatures and gale-force winds mid-week, there were a
good number of birders in the Park and birds reported during the period.
Further signs of coming spring included an AMERICAN CROW in Mew Lake Campground
(the usual time and location of the first arriving migrants her
With an average 83 cm (33 in) of snow on the ground, it seemed a little
optimistic to look for signs of spring this week but there was at least one.
Researchers found the first CANADA JAY nest under construction on Thursday (Feb
21). It appears that two WILD TURKEYS are continuing at Mew Lake Ca
Some moderation in temperatures appeared to encourage more birders to visit the
Park but a major snowfall over two days near the end of the week largely shut
activity down. Some additional winter finch species were detected, perhaps
indicative of returning birds. Noteworthy species of the week w
Unfortunately, the Visitor Centre was closed most of this week for emergency
repairs but it opened again today. Inconvenience caused for park visitors is
sincerely regretted. Since most recent bird reports have been from the Visitor
Centre feeders, this week’s post has limited information.
T
Even colder temperatures this week produced the polar vortex version of the
“Groundhog Day” movie (1993) here with respect to bird reports: little change!
Boreal resident sightings included two SPRUCE GROUSE at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on
Jan 26. That location and Opeongo Road north of the winter
Saturday to Tuesday of this week produced the coldest stretch of days here so
far this winter, reaching below minus 30 degrees C by Tuesday. Fortunately, a
good number of birders came to Algonquin Park despite the cold and some
interesting observations resulted.
Black-backed Woodpecker repor
Some days with cold temperatures, even colder wind chill temperatures and
occasional heavy snow squalls combined to dramatically reduce birding activity
and reports this week. The limited information that did come in suggested
little change.
Residents: One to three Ruffed Grouse are being se
The apparent movement of winter finches through Algonquin Park that has been
observed during this late fall/early winter may have largely ended. Numbers and
species reported are fairly consistent now. However, the arrival of more
finches later this winter is still possible, especially if food so
The influx of birders during this week of the holidays and 83 observers on the
Christmas Bird Count of Dec 29 combined to produce a better idea of the birds
along the Highway 60 Corridor. However, the number of species and individuals
observed remained low.
A male and female BUFFLEHEAD were
Birding in Algonquin was limited during the Christmas week and so there is
relatively little new information to report. RUFFED GROUSE (one), and WILD
TURKEY (five) continued at the Visitor Centre feeders all week, but the COMMON
GRACKLE that had been there daily since November 12 was last observ
The weather was more birder-friendly this week, which resulted in more reports.
Noteworthy for Algonquin were: a NORTHERN SHRIKE photographed just east of km
43 (Dec 15); nine BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS near the Visitor Centre parking lot feeder
(Dec 18); and two SNOW BUNTINGS at the Visitor Centre (Dec
There were fewer reports this week, but some interesting observations. On Dec
8, a NORTHERN SHRIKE made an unsuccessful pass at one of the many Black-capped
Chickadees coming to bird seed left by park visitors near the winter gate on
Opeongo Road. A light-coloured redpoll was seen in a small flo
Better weather and more birders produced reports of more birds this week. An
adult GOLDEN EAGLE (photo) soaring over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Dec 4 was
likely one of the small overwintering population in Algonquin that feeds on
wolf kills. Four BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (photo) on Nov 30 and Dec 1, plus
Temperatures moderated, several days had periods of wet snow and rain, and
birders and their reports were scarce in Algonquin this week. The Visitor
Centre feeders attracted EVENING GROSBEAK (about a dozen or fewer each day, but
27 on Nov 29), PINE GROSBEAK (two to five each day), COMMON REDPOLL
This week featured very cold temperatures (for the date), frequent strong winds
and significant snowfall, which combined to reduce the amount of birding done
and reported. Snow depth is now about 25 cm (10 inches), and all lakes along
Highway 60 except Smoke and Two Rivers are fully ice-covered.
Small lakes and ponds froze over on the cold night of Nov 10-11, and heavy
snowfall occurred last night and today. Gates are now closed for the winter on
the following roads: Arowhon, Centennial Ridges, Rock Lake and Opeongo (at
Cameron Lake Road junction).
The following observations before
Extended periods of strong winds, rain and some snow during the week appeared
to reduce the birder activity. Another pelagic (“two men and a boat” this time)
on Lake Opeongo, November 2, noted HORNED GREBE (1), RED-NECKED GREBE (2) and
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (3). The best find of the week was a WEST
A heavy covering of snow occurred early in the week, but most of the snow has
now melted during recent rain and higher temperatures. Mild conditions resulted
in late observations for several species.
A very successful one-person “pelagic” on October 28, covering most of Lake
Opeongo after an
The cold temperatures, significant wet snowfall (Wednesday) and north winds
this week coincided with first-of-fall observations of several species,
including: AMERICAN TREE SPARROW (21st), SNOW BUNTING (22nd), BRANT (flock of
550 photographed over the Mizzy Lake Trail railbed on the 24th), COMMO
Noteworthy observations during the two-week period included: SNOW GOOSE (twelve
in a large flock of migrating Canadas photographed over the Old Airfield on
October 13); NORTHERN SHOVELER (two photographed high over Opeongo Road on
October 17, a new latest fall date for this very rare species in
Most species seen this week were summer residents, with only a few late
migrants still being reported. Our weekly birding updates will start again in
the Fall. Thanks to everyone for your observations and support.
Spruce Grouse are harder to find now. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk. Three
Black-ba
Very few arrivals to report from Algonquin Park this week as we near the end of
May. Three new species of warblers for this spring in the Park were recorded:
Canada Warbler (May 18), Wilson’s Warbler (May 22), and an Orange- crowned
Warbler (May 20). Lincoln’s Sparrow arrived about a week later
A few more spring migrants trickled into Algonquin Park this week and enjoyed
the continuing warm weather. New spring arrivals on May 11 included Cape May
Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Rose- breasted Grosbeak, Veery and Gray Catbird. Two
Solitary Sandpipers were recorded at the Old Railway Bike Tra
Warm weather continued the past two weeks here in Algonquin Park and produced a
few more spring migrants. The highlight of the past couple of weeks was the
discovery of a Fish Crow observed at Mew Lake Campground on May 1 (and also
observed May 2 and 3 at Mew Lake Campground and Lake of Two Rive
As cold persisted early in the week, the few arriving migrants were at least
two weeks later than average including Fox Sparrow (April 18) and Wood Duck
(April 20). The first warm, sunny day (April 21) produced only one new arrival
(Northern Harrier) as migration remained on hold. But even warme
This week’s freezing rain, ice pellets, snow and high winds were very
disheartening for birders and everybody else, but this weather will make us
that much more appreciative of spring when it does arrive …. in June! Due to
the poor conditions there were fewer birders in the Park and only a few n
Although a little milder this week, conditions were still more winter-like than
spring-like. Ice remains thick and “to-the-shore” on lakes and there is an
average of 25 cm of snow on the ground with more forecast for the coming
weekend. However, some migrants pushed northward to reach Algonquin
For those who have not yet gotten around to coming to Algonquin Park to see the
winter birds, there is good news! Most of the finch species are still here and
you did not miss winter either. It was minus 23 degrees C. in the predawn with
28 cm of snow on the ground (15 cm of it new this week) in
Following seven days with sunshine but cold temperatures, Monday started clear
and cold but the thermometer rose well above freezing during the day. After
birders (including myself with the OFO Young Birders) had no luck finding
Spruce Grouse during the cold and sometimes windy weekend, some obs
Continuing night temperatures well below freezing, north winds, persisting
extensive snow cover (averaging about 22 cm) and very limited areas of open
water all combined to stifle migration this week. However, there were a few
signs of spring, including an apparent migrant Red-tailed Hawk (March
Temperatures well below freezing caused the few open water areas to be reduced
by ice formation and new snow covered the scarce patches of bare ground this
week. New migrants were limited to Snow Bunting (March 8) and Mourning Dove
(March 9). However, it was a good time to see Otters on the ice
Snow is now reduced to an average depth of about 13 cm, with a hard crust, and
some areas are bare. All lakes remain frozen, but rivers and creeks are opening
up. Mallard (km 21), Merlin (at the East Gate and at Mew Lake Campground) and
Red-winged Blackbird (Visitor Centre feeder) were all somew
There were a few more early signs of spring again this week. First sightings of
Canada Goose, Herring Gull and European Starling were notably early. Northern
Shrikes at km 38 (February 22) and the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail
parking lot (February 27) may have been individuals moving back n
Hi Ron,
My daughter and I are thinking about camping / birding Algonquin. When is
the best time for various northern birds. Also is there fishing in the park?
Thanks
Dean
On Feb 22, 2018 11:15 PM, "Ron Tozer via ONTBIRDS"
wrote:
> Algonquin Park began to experience “pre-spring” by the end of
Algonquin Park began to experience “pre-spring” by the end of the week as
temperatures went up and snow depth went down. American Crows, the first
migrants, were spotted on February 19 and 21. Researchers found the first
Canada Jay nest under construction on February 19. And a Northern Saw-whet
The spotting of a female White-winged Crossbill returning to her nest high in a
white spruce and then apparently incubating for the next 20 minutes of
observation was a remarkable discovery on February 10. Despite research in
Algonquin Park on crossbill behaviour and breeding activities dating b
Winter finches are being seen regularly on Highway 60, especially after
snowfalls when sand and salt have been applied to the roadway. Numbers are
greater along the road before traffic becomes heavier by mid-morning. Some Red
Crossbills are breeding now, with both mating and courtship feeding be
The most unusual bird reported this week was an American Crow at the parking
lot near the winter gate on Opeongo Road on January 27. It was a classic day
(above freezing temperature) and location (a place where people put out bird
food) for a rare winter crow sighting here. The crow probably mov
The most notable bird this week was an adult Golden Eagle observed in flight
near Smoke Creek Bridge on Highway 60, January 20.
Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the
past week:
-Spruce Grouse: two were at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and a male was along Opeong
As an “old guy” myself, I was pleased when the male Spruce Grouse that was
colour-banded in 2009 and is now at least 10 years old was photographed at
Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 14. According to Birds of North America, the
estimated annual survival rate of male Spruce Grouse (canadensis subs
Here are some locations where birders observed the listed species during the
past week:
-Spruce Grouse: one was found at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 4 and 10
-Ruffed Grouse: continue to be seen along the Visitor Centre driveway and under
the feeders below the viewing deck.
-Wild Turkey: ni
The Algonquin Park Christmas Bird Count, held this year on December 30, always
provides a good early winter overview of the birds and their relative
abundance. The following discussion includes the CBC totals in brackets.
Red-breasted Nuthatch (720), Red Crossbill (359), White-winged Crossbill (
Common Redpoll: A flock of about 40 was observed on Opeongo Road yesterday,
which may indicate that this species is starting to move southward in greater
numbers.
Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON.
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park is three hours north of Tor
This week’s extremely cold temperatures seemed at odds with evidence of
breeding activity by White-winged Crossbills in the Park. A male was observed
feeding a female (“courtship feeding”) near the Old Airfield, and three or four
males were singing along Spruce Bog Boardwalk, on December 24. Cra
Two American Martens (often together) have been coming regularly to the Visitor
Centre feeders to eat black sunflower seeds on the ground. They can be seen at
close range from the viewing deck. Average snow depth in the Park is now about
19 cm.
-Wild Turkey: eleven (a high number for winter
All Highway 60 lakes are now ice-covered, with the last two freezing over on
December 11
(Lake of Two Rivers) and 13 (Smoke Lake). Average snow depth is about 15 cm.
The suet feeders
are now in place at the Visitor Centre and on Spruce Bog Boardwalk at the trail
register box.
-Northern S
About 30 cm of new snow arrived over the last two days. Rock Lake Road and
Arowhon Road are not maintained by park staff during winter and will be gated
at Highway 60 until spring.
-Ruffed Grouse: one or two are regular along the Visitor Centre driveway and
getting seed below the feeders.
There was much melting of the shallow snow cover this week. Large lakes are
open. Winter listers should find a good variety of winter finches in Algonquin
now. The winter gate on Opeongo Road is closed.
Snowy Owl: one was photographed flying southwest near dusk, high over the Old
Airfield, o
As of today, there is a heavy covering of snow on the ground and a few shallow
ponds and small lakes along the Highway 60 Corridor are ice-covered. However,
it is still fall even if it felt like winter on a couple of minus 15-degree
mornings this week. There were fresh Bear tracks in the snow on
Significant melting of snow and opening up of some small lakes and ponds
occurred this week. All larger lakes remain ice-covered. New arrivals continued
to appear, but fewer than last week (see list below).
Fox Sparrows were at the Visitor Centre all week, peaking at seven birds on
April 20.
An influx of warm southern air, new migrants and many birders from Saturday to
Monday resulted in some excellent early spring birding. See the list of new
arrivals below. However, knee-deep snow persists in north-facing and shaded
areas. There is good walking on trails. There is more open water
First-of-spring species reported this week were: April 1: Common Merganser,
Great Blue Heron, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco; April 2: American Woodcock;
April 4: Wood Duck, Golden-crowned Kinglet (apparent migrants); April 5:
Mallard, Sandhill Crane, Turkey Vulture, Belted Kingfisher, Winter Wre
After two weeks with no new arrivals, several were reported this week: Mourning
Dove (March 25); Red-tailed Hawk (March 27); Hooded Merganser (March 28);
Northern Saw-whet Owl and Merlin (March 29); and American Black Duck, American
Robin and Common Grackle (today). Snow on the ground remains ex
Again this week, no new migrant species were reported arriving in Algonquin
Park. There were some days with well-above-freezing temperatures, but also some
with strong, cold north winds and much colder than normal temperatures. And
extensive deep snow cover, with a hard crust, remains.
Ruffe
The Visitor Centre (km 43) is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with full services
(exhibits, book store and restaurant) during March Break (March 11 to 19).
There were no signs of new migration during this week, likely due in large
measure to unusually cold temperatures, gusty winds and persisten
The Visitor Centre (km 43) will be open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with full
services (exhibits, book store and restaurant) during March Break (March 11 to
19).
There were few signs of new migration during the very cold temperatures that
prevailed for most of the week. The first Red-winged Blac
Warmer temperatures earlier in the week resulted in record-early spring records
for Canada Goose (a pair on February 25), Lesser Scaup (male photographed on
open water of the Madawaska River on February 26) and American Tree Sparrow
(February 25). Other signs of spring-to-come included a pair of
Tomorrow (February 24) will be the final Bird Feeder Friday in Algonquin Park
this winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be aimed at the bird feeders from
8 am to sunset to catch all the action. Watch at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
The past week had lot
Winter in the Wild Festival 2017 will take place on Saturday (February 18).
It will have many great activities to choose from, including two Guided
Winter Bird Walks on Spruce Bog Boardwalk (at km 42.5) from 10 am to 11:30
am and 2:30 to 4 pm. Your Park use permit entitles you to free participation
Tomorrow, February 10, will be the second Bird Feeder Friday this
winter. The Visitor Centre webcams will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8
am to 5 pm. To see large numbers of Evening Grosbeaks at the feeders, an
uncommon occurrence in southern Ontario since the 1970s, watch tomorrow at:
http://w
Great opportunities to see, enjoy and photograph winter birds continued in
the Park this week.
Ruffed Grouse were seen regularly along the Visitor Centre driveway, and the
female Wild Turkey is still coming daily to the parking lot feeder there.
A Northern Shrike, perhaps the bird at Lookout Trai
Lots of birders and lots of birds for them to see this week, with more
pleasant temperatures as well.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: Observers were seeing a total of two (and sometimes three)
from near the parking lot to the suet feeder on Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
weekend.
Black-backed Woo
Tomorrow, January 20, will be the first of three Bird Feeder Fridays this
winter. Others will occur on February 10 and 24. The Visitor Centre webcam
will be aimed at the bird feeders from 8 am to sunset.
Watch at: http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/virtual/webcam/feeder_friday.php
Yesterday, the Sund
A road-killed moose has been placed in the Sunday Creek Bog again this year.
It can be seen from the Visitor Centre viewing deck, especially with the
telescope provided there. The carcass had not attracted the expected birds
and mammals by today, but that may change soon.
The female Wild Turkey co
A Northern Goshawk carrying a Spruce Grouse was seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on January 1st. The grouse could have been the banded male that is at least
nine years old. Check any male grouse seen there for a greenish-blue band on
the left leg.
Bohemian Waxwings are still being seen occasionally, i
The Visitor Centre at km 43 will be open daily during the period of December
27 to January 8, from 9 am to 5 pm. The feeders there are continuing to
attract numerous birds.
The female Wild Turkey is still coming to the Visitor Centre parking lot
feeder, but the immature male Red-winged Blackbird w
The Visitor Centre (exhibits and restaurant) at km 43 will be closed from
December 24 to 26, and then open daily from December 27 to January 1,
9 am to 5 pm,. Good numbers of birds are frequenting its feeders and include
a female Wild Turkey and an immature male Red-winged Blackbird. A Marten
was a
Relatively little change in the birds this week, but lots more snow,
especially on Wednesday.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and black spruce areas along Opeongo Road ((gated
at Cameron Lake Road junction) for Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker,
Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee.
W
The Park was transformed into a beautiful winter landscape this week, with
lots of snow on the ground. Only the larger lakes remain open.
A Short-eared Owl being chased by a raven was photographed at the Old
Airfield on December 4. Our previous latest fall date for this very rare
migrant owl in Al
There is relatively little change in the birding situation compared with
last week, but mild temperatures and rain have greatly reduced the snow
cover that we had.
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try the Mizzy Lake Trail rail bed (currently
accessible via Arowhon Road).
Black-backe
Snow and ice (on ponds and smaller lakes) have arrived in Algonquin Park.
The bird feeders are now operational at the Visitor Centre (km 43 on Highway
60).
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Some birders continue to have success in finding Spruce Grouse, Black-backed
Woodpecker, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee alo
BOREAL SPECIALTIES
Birders have had some recent success in finding Spruce Grouse, Black-backed
Woodpecker, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee along the rail bed section of the
Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road). Gray Jays are also regular
at Spruce Bog Boardwalk and on Opeongo Road north of
Some ponds and shallow lakes had developed extensive open water by today.
However, most lakes remain ice-covered. Bare ground is widespread in
deciduous forest and on south-facing slopes, but knee-deep snow persists in
many shaded areas.
New migrants arrived in numbers this week, especially during
Abnormally cold temperatures this week preserved extensive deep snow and
mainly ice-covered lakes and ponds.
New arrivals included: Sharp-shinned Hawk (April 13); Killdeer,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Eastern Meadowlark (April
14). Single Northern Shrikes were seen at the Airfi
Recent snowfall, including 20 cm Wednesday over night and lingering cold
temperatures have slowed the arrival of migrants.
New migrants this week include: 1 male Common Goldeneye was seen on the Opeongo
Road on April 1, and 1 Fox Sparrow was seen at the Visitor Centre on April 2.
BOREAL
New migrants this week included: Sandhill Crane and Northern Shrike
(March 26th), and Song Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco (March 28th). The crane
record was the second earliest ever here.
A Ruffed Grouse coming close to the feet of people to pick up seeds and
peanut pieces thrown to it has been popul
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