[Ontbirds]Algonquin Park birding update: 13 March 2008

[Ron Tozer]

Winter continued unabated this week. The best birding
spots are still the feeders at the Visitor Centre and the West
Gate. American Crows have become widespread, but other
signs of migration are scarce.


The Visitor Centre will be open daily from March 8 to 16,
and March 21 to 24 (10 am to 5 pm), and then on weekends
to April 20 (10 to 5).


FINCHES:

Pine Grosbeak: Up to 20 are at the Visitor Centre feeders
daily, with adult males often singing. Others were at the
West Gate feeder.

Common Redpoll: A few are coming to the Visitor Centre
feeders and up to 30 are at the West Gate feeder, irregularly.

Hoary Redpoll: An adult male was seen at the West Gate
feeder on March 9.


BOREAL RESIDENTS:

Spruce Grouse: No reports. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

Black-backed Woodpecker: No new reports.

Gray Jay: Observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor
Centre, and Opeongo Road. The first female to begin
incubating eggs was noted on March 10 by Dan Strickland,
in his decades-long study.

Boreal Chickadee: No reports this week. Try Opeongo
Road and Spruce Bog.



OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPECIES:

Red-tailed Hawk: Another early migrant was seen north
of Bat Lake Trail on March 8.

Northern Shrike: There was one around the feeder at
the East Gate on March 10, and another at the Visitor
Centre on March 13. An increase in sightings recently
suggests they may be moving back north.

Marten: One has been visiting the Visitor Centre feeders
irregularly, and one or two have been seen fairly frequently
around the garbage facility at Mew Lake Campground.




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, as log hauling is underway on it. 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).