A pulse of new migrants arrived this week (listed below). Most were a few days later than the average first date (in brackets). However, this gap is narrowing (compared with last week's first arrivals) as migrants increasingly push north on milder days despite the knee-deep snow and scarcity of open water. This pattern is normal in late springs like this one.
Canada Goose (Giant form): March 30 (March 25) Wood Duck: April 3 (April 5) Mallard: April 3 (April 1) Common Merganser: April 3 (March 29) Great Blue Heron: April 2 (March 28) Turkey Vulture: March 29 (April 2) Merlin: March 28 (April 6) American Robin: March 29 (March 24) Song Sparrow: March 30 (March 29) Snow Bunting: April 2 (March 22) Common Grackle: March 27 (March 24) Brown-headed Cowbird: March 30 (March 28) FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: There were still three at the West Gate feeder on April 2. This finch usually lingers here into April only during major flight years and when cold temperatures persist, as is the case this spring. Common Redpoll: Up to 75 were at the West Gate feeder this week, and up to 50 at the Visitor Centre. Daily changes suggested birds moving through. Hoary Redpoll: There was one at the Visitor Centre feeder on March 30, and one at the West Gate feeder on April 3. Evening Grosbeak: A male at the Visitor Centre feeder on April 3 was the first of this species reported here since mid-February, and probably was a bird returning from a wintering location farther south. BOREAL RESIDENTS: Spruce Grouse: One was seen at Spruce Bog on March 30 . Black-backed Woodpecker: One was at Spruce Bog on March 29, and a male was excavating a hole in a utility pole at the Little Madawaska (km 21.4) on April 3. Gray Jay: They were observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road. Boreal Chickadee: Try Spruce Bog and Opeongo Road, and listen for the musical call which they should be uttering now. OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES: American Three-toed Woodpecker: A male was at Spruce Bog on March 28, and two males were seen there on March 29. A male was in the Costello Creek Bog, east of Opeongo Road, on March 30. House Finch: A female was briefly at the Visitor Centre feeder on April 3. The House Finch is very rare in Algonquin. Marten and Fisher: Individuals of both these weasel species were regularly observed eating suet and black sunflower seeds at the Visitor Centre this week. BIRDERS: 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 here. Arowhon Road is officially closed to public travel until further notice. Do not use this road. 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). Permits and information are available daily at both gates throughout the winter, including the Algonquin Information Guide showing locations discussed here. The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information, plus feeders. Birders visiting during the week are welcome to contact staff for birding information and access to the viewing deck, via the service entrance (right end of the building as you face it from the parking lot). Exhibits and restaurant are open on weekends through April 20, 10 am to 5 pm. _______________________________________________ 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
