With 56 cm of snow on the ground and all lakes frozen, winter has come to Algonquin even if the calendar says it is still fall. Birds of note this week were Bohemian Waxwing and Hoary Redpoll.
Two Bohemian Waxwings were briefly attracted to the birds at the feeders of the Visitor Centre on December 9. Single Hoary Redpolls were reported in a flock of Common Redpolls at the Visitor Centre parking lot, and in another flock along Highway 60, on December 6. Common Redpoll numbers may be increasing, as flocks are more conspicuous along the road. Recent numbers between the East Gate and the Visitor Centre have been from 75 to 100. A few Pine Grosbeaks were irregularly observed along Highway 60 this week, but they are scarce. White-winged Crossbills are present in small numbers, but are not conspicuous. One or two Red Crossbills have been noted flying over, and on the highway, but they are very infrequently observed,. Pine Siskins appear to be very scarce now. About a dozen Evening Grosbeaks are regulars at the Visitor Centre feeders. Relatively few birders have reported here recently, so there is no new information on finding Spruce Grouse, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay and Black-backed Woodpecker. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road. Please report your Algonquin sightings to me (including date, number and location) for our park records. Thanks. Good birding. 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 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 and information. The centre is open on weekends during the winter, from 10 am to 4 pm. Access to watch the birds during the week is possible by entering at the service entrance and contacting the staff. _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ONTBIRDS@hwcn.org For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
