Bird happenings in Algonquin Park

Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2014 20:20:57 -0500
From: Ron Tozer <rtozer@vianet.ca>
To: ontbirds <birdalert@ontbirds.ca>
Subject: [Ontbirds] Algonquin Park Birding Report: 20 February 2014
Message-ID: <CF2C1429.12320%rtozer@vianet.ca>
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Despite this winter's very cold temperatures and deep snow here, remnants
of earlier groups of Wild Turkeys still persisted this week: Mew Lake
Campground (1), Trailer Sanitation Station (2) and Visitor Centre (1).

The first Gray Jay nest under construction was found on the 18th. The nest
of this same banded pair was the first one discovered last year as well, but
on February 24, nearly a week later. Spring has sprung!

The frequency of calling by Boreal Chickadees increases from late February
through March and reaches a peak just before winter flock breakup. More
calling makes it easier to locate them in the dense spruce foliage they
frequent. Observations this week suggest that increased calling may be
starting to occur.

Numbers of both crossbill species continue to be low, but reports are
increasing as the weather improves and more birders are out looking.

The first Pine Siskin reports since early December occurred this week.

BOREAL SPECIALTIES:

Spruce Grouse: One was displaying along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on the
16th.

Black-backed Woodpecker: One was seen between Wolf Howl Pond and
March Hare Lake on the Mizzy Lake Trail on the 15th. Another was
drumming and calling at km 7 on Highway 60 on the 16th.

Gray Jay: Regular along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, near
the East Gate, and in Mew Lake Campground.

Boreal Chickadee: On the 15th, eight were reported near West Rose Lake
on Mizzy Lake Trail; two were visiting the suet feeder opposite the register
box on Spruce Bog Boardwalk; and one was along Opeongo Road. Three
were seen on Bat Lake Trail on the 17th.

WINTER FINCHES:

Purple Finch: Up to 45 were at the Visitor Centre feeders, and  small flocks
were observed along Highway 60.

Red Crossbill: Groups of two to seven were observed on Bat Lake Trail, on
Spruce Bog Boardwalk, along Highway 60, and at the East Gate this week.

White-winged Crossbill: Locations with small flocks included along
Highway 60, Mizzy Lake Trail, Bat Lake Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and
Opeongo Road.

Pine Siskin: There were three on the Barron Canyon Trail (east side of
Algonquin Park) on the 15th; three along Opeongo Road on the 16th; and
three on Bat Lake Trail on the 17th.

American Goldfinch: Small flocks are present along Highway 60 getting
grit. There were 93 counted along the road on the 15th.

Evening Grosbeak: Up to 60 were at the Visitor Centre feeders this week,
especially in the morning.

Birders reporting records through eBird are encouraged to share their lists
with the Algonquin Park Bird Records account (APPbirds).

Good Birding!

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

DIRECTIONS:

Algonquin Provincial  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 near the East Gate (km 56).

Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map of birding
locations mentioned here) at the East Gate or the West Gate. Locations are
also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca

The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from
9 am to 5 pm during winter.

The Visitor Centre has recent bird sightings and information. It is usually
possible to access the building on weekdays in winter from 9 am to
4 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the restaurant
seating area on weekdays. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are
available to purchase then, as well as the use of a microwave.

For more information see the Algonquin Park events calendar at:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/involved/calendar/