---
To help control spam, you have to register before you can start posting. Only your name and a password are required. Enter your real name in the box for "username". This is exactly how your name will appear on the board every time you post a message. New registrations cannot include a space between names, so use a capital letter to start your first and last name. You can use your password to edit any posts you make. If you forget your password, send me an email. (more info) ---
Algonquin Park Birding Report: 31 January Posted on February 1, 2020 at 07:35:34 PM by Ontbirds
*This report was originally posted by Ron Tozer on ONTBIRDS (Feb. 1, 2020) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.
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 numbers but a good variety of winter finches. The Visitor Centre at km 43 on Highway 60 continues to be a good location for viewing and photographing finches, at the feeders, on the driveway and in the parking lot.
Unusual for Algonquin
Bohemian Waxwing: two eating berries along the Logging Museum Trail on Jan 30.
American Crow: one reported along Highway 60 near the Outdoor Theatre on Jan 24. Crows are very infrequent during winter in the Park.
Boreal Species
Spruce Grouse: seen all week at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, often near the first short boardwalk at the start of the trail.
Black-backed Woodpecker: observed at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 24 (near the kettle bog), Jan 25, and Jan 28 (two on several trees with fresh bark removed behind the washroom at the parking lot). One was also noted at the start of the Mizzy Lake Trail on Jan 30.
Canada Jay: reported at Bat Lake Trail, Lake of Two Rivers Trail, Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road and Logging Museum Trail.
Boreal Chickadee: no reports again despite much birding in prime habitat.
Winter Finches
Evening Grosbeak: up to 25, but usually 15 or fewer, daily at the Visitor Centre feeders, mostly in the morning. No reports received from any other locations.
PINE GROSBEAK: reports of four at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Jan 29) and two on Opeongo Road and two at the Logging Museum (Jan 30).
Purple Finch: seen regularly along Highway 60 and up to 50 at the Visitor Centre feeders.
COMMON REDPOLL: a single bird calling in flight was reported over Spruce Bog Boardwalk on Jan 26.
Red Crossbill: continue to be widespread in small numbers. Good views of birds in Visitor Centre parking lot and near feeders.
White-winged Crossbill: widespread in low numbers, with several in song indicating breeding.
Pine Siskin: widespread in small numbers and regular at the Visitor Centre.
American Goldfinch: widespread in low numbers along Highway 60, and at the Visitor Centre.
Additional birds seen daily at the Visitor Centre feeders included: Wild Turkey (7), Ruffed Grouse (1), American Tree Sparrow (6), Dark-eyed Junco (6) and Red-winged Blackbird (first year male present since Jan 8).
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). The Visitor Centre exhibits, bookstore and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map showing birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON Replies: There have been no replies.
You must register before you can post on this board. You can register here.
Post a reply:
The Muskoka Bird Board is a place to share reports of birds and other nature sightings in Muskoka and surrounding areas. You may also post a question about birds or birding in general. You don't have to include an email address in your post. Remember to include the location of your sightings - even the nearest town or major crossroads would be fine. See the Posting Guidelines for more information and helpful tips about using the Muskoka Bird Board.
Send comments or questions to Barbara Taylor, administrator of the Muskoka Bird Board