| Algonquin Park and Area | Archived Birding Reports - 2000 |
Bohemian Waxwing in Algonquin Park and moor - Sun, 03 Dec 2000 Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.Today Carol Horner and I decide to get away from the city and do some winter birding in Algonquin Park which is found on # 60 beaten Huntsvill and Whitney (I start on the west side of the park as will my Km mileage )
... thank God we did what a day as we went north up the 400 we first found a G.H.Owl's jist north of Major Mackenzie, good start, Then at Barrie and the 400 we had our first Raven of the day but the sheer sing that it was to be a good day was jist south of Gravenhurst on #11 our first Pileated WoodPecker of the day flue along the rood with us giving great looks all so the whole area was covered in thick frost from Barrie right in top the park wow was that nice ..
Our first stop in Algonquin was at the West Gate to pay for a day pass wear we saw E. Grosbeak,s( 7 for the day ) at the feeder along with W.B.Nuthatch (3 f.t.d) and B.C.Chickadee's .
Our next stop was up Arowhon pines rood at km 15 ( be careful if driving a small car like mine up this rood in the winter) we walk the rail way line to the Mizzy lake trail and found, D. Woodpecker (2,f.t.d) R.B.Nuthatch (5,f.t.d) W.W.Crossbill's (17 f.t.d) Boreal Chickadee (1 f.t.d) G Jay ( 6 seen f.t.d ,1 hear , 2 on Opeongo , 3 on the Spruce bog boardwalk " one one the S.B.trall band is iced up" ) Pine Siskin's 35 , R .Grouse (6 f.t.d) most wear the gray phase , and the toper our second G.H.Owl for the day.
The best ( well one of the ) birds wear found jist west of Km.40 The Lookout trail wich wear 20 Bohemian Waxwing's feeding at the sied of the rood , they wear there still when we left at 4:00 pm ..
the only bird we found on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk ( Km 43) wear 2 B . Creepers ....
and to end it off as we wear leaving and going throw Dwight at dusk a Pileated Woodpecker flue across the rood in front of us ...... good end to the day ..
P.S no new year birds still at 302
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
Great Gray Owl in Algonquin - Fri, 24 Nov 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Great Gray Owl, reported near Km 20 on Highway 60 in Algonquin Park on November 22 by Rick Stronks and Lee Pauze, had moved eastward to Km 22.3 on the morning of November 23. It appeared alert and was flying well as it moved to new perches along the telephone cable bordering the highway. No attempts at capturing prey were observed, however. Small mammal populations are apparently low in Algonquin Park at this time. During the evening of November 23, a Great Gray Owl (believed to be the same bird) was picked up alive along Highway 60 in the Park. It had sustained injuries due to a collision with a vehicle. The bird was turned over to Park authorities, and Rick Stronks is taking it to the "Wing and a Prayer" bird rehabilitation centre in Bracebridge today (November 24). This week we have seen very small numbers of American Goldfinch, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak and Evening Grosbeak in Algonquin Park, which is located east of Huntsville on Highway 60. Please consult an Ontario road map. The Algonquin Visitor Centre (Km 43 on Highway 60 in the Park) is open this weekend, 10 am to 5 pm, and has bird feeders operating. Ron Ron Tozer 1017 Spring Lake Rd. R.R.#1 Dwight, Ont. P0A1H0 e-mail: rtozer@vianet.on.ca telephone: 705 635-2315
Great Gray Owl in Algonquin Park - Wed, 22 Nov 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
This morning Lee Pauze and I saw a Great Gray Owl sitting on a hydro wire near the Algonquin Gallery (old museum) in Algonquin Park. This is the second sighting of a Great Gray this year as one was reported on Nov. 17 at Wolf Howl Pond along the Mizzy Lake Trail. Directions: Follow Highway 11 north to Huntsville and Hwy 60 east to Algonquin Park. The Algonquin Gallery is at kilometer 20 on Hwy 60 (20 kilometers past the West Gate). Rick Stronks Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park Box 219 Whitney ON K0J 2M0 Phone: 613.637.2828 Fax: 613.637.2138 Email: rick.stronks@mnr.gov.on.ca Web: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
GREAT GREY OWL, ALGONQUIN - Sat, 18 Nov 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
A Great Grey Owl was closely observed on Friday, Nov.17 at 2:30pm during a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park by Albert Boisvert, Terrie Smith and Ken Kingdon (my ISP was down last evening, so I could not report earlier).
DIRECTIONS: from Hwy. 60, go north 5km on the Arowhon Rd., taking each fork to right. Drive along the abandoned rail embankment ~1 km to the gate onto Mizzy Lake Trail. Park and walk 10 minutes to the first right bend of this rail embankment. Just after this curve, the Great Grey Owl was hunting from perches at the edge of open 1 acre patches on each side of the embankment. (The edges of similar open spots further on might also be used by this bird if it stays).
Grey Jays were seen here too, even getting in the way of the view of the Great Grey Owl! We also saw 15 Pine Siskins, and 4 White-winged Crossbills.
On the east sector of the Bat Lake Trail (400m in from Hwy.60), we had close looks at two Boreal Chickadees in a pack of Black-capped Chickadees with Red-breasted Nuthatches.
There were 2 more Grey Jays and 6 more White-winged Crossbills on the Opeongo Lake Rd., 3 km north of Hwy.60 at the northbound gate (which was still open). Opeongo Lake itself still had a Common Loon, while Cache Lake had some 10 Hooded Mergansers.
We also saw a "strange" Ruffed Grouse; a distinct rufous morph, but with a typical grey tail. If anyone knows more about this unusual plumage, please e-mail me privately.
Thank you and good birding.
Ken Kingdon KINGSTON, ONTARIO, CANADA 613-547-2733 e-mail: kenkingdon@hotmail.com
Algonquin Park birds - Sat, 04 Nov 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Dear Ontbirders:
I have not updated you on the "bird situation" in Algonquin Park for some time, so here is a brief overview. Despite the production of a fairly substantial cone crop here, we have very few finches now. It appears that the cones opened during the wqrm fall weather, most of the seeds dispersed, and most of our finches left. There have been reports of a very few White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks, recently. But that's about it. The woods is very quiet, as it so often is here in November. I observed a Golden Eagle (second year) over Canisbay Creek (Km 24.5 on Hwy. 60) on November 3, and a Northern Goshawk (adult) flying north over Ringneck Pond (Km 41.2) today. The latter may stay here this winter, since there are a few Ruffed Grouse around. There have been no further sightings of Three-toed Woodpecker, and observers on the Bat Lake Trail today did not observe this species. As usual, there are occasional sightings of Black-backed Woodpeckers. A Snowy Owl was reported at Km 24.5 today by "C. Anderson". No further details of the sighting are available; it was written in the Visitor Centre Bird Sightings Book. An extensive search of the area this afternoon produced no sign of the bird. This species tends not to linger here. I would like to obtain further information on this report, since it is only the 13th record of Snowy Owl for Algonquin Park. Please e-mail me privately, "C. Anderson"! Finally, please note my new e-mail address: rtozer@vianet.on.ca Good birding, Ron Ron Tozer 1017 Spring Lake Rd. R.R.#1 Dwight, Ont. P0A1H0 e-mail: rtozer@vianet.on.ca telephone: 705 635-2315
Three-toed Woodpecker in Algonquin - Mon, 30 Oct 2000 Yesterday we had very good looks at a Three-toed Woodpecker on the Bat Lake Trail in Algonquin. We also saw the usual Algonquin specialities. There were very few Moose and we saw only 2. A wolf has apparently been hanging around KM30 for quite a while (>1 month), but we did not see it.
Happy birding
Henrik Mouritsen
________________________________________________________________________ Henrik Mouritsen (Ph.D.) Department of Psychology Queen's University Kingston, Ontario Canada K7L 3N6 e-mail: mou@psyc.queensu.ca Fax: +1 (613) 533 2499 Phone: +1 (613) 533 6000 extension 77858 or the lab-phone +1 (613) 533 2485 (direct)
Good Birds at Algonquin Today, Friday Oct. 13, 2000 - Fri, 13 Oct 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Today proved to be a lucky Friday the 13th for yours truly. Found this morning on the rail trail off Arrowhon Pines Road were 2 to 4 GRAY JAYS, half a dozen BOREAL CHICKADEES, 3 SPRUCE GROUSE and - best of all - a BOREAL OWL located because it was being mobbed by several Red-breasted Nuthaches and at least 8 of both species of chickadees.
Mike
Mike Street
Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
mikestreet@hwcn.org
Dickcissel in Algonquin - Thu, 28 Sep 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Yesterday afternoon (Wed. Sept 27), I saw a female (or perhaps a young male) Dickcissel on the Lake of Two Rivers Campground Beach in Algonquin Provincial Park. The bird flew up from the beach and landed in a Speckled Alder allowing for an excellent, although brief view. Shortly after, however, it took off southward and I watched the bird through my binoculars as it became a speck in the sky before finally disappearing. There is a chance that it may have circled back and could be somewhere in the old Airfield (which is directly beside the Two Rivers beach), where the Say's Phoebe had been seen over the weekend. By the way, I spent about an hour looking for the Say's Phoebe in the airfield only to confirm Craig McLauchlan's observation that the bird may be gone.
Directions:
To get to Algonquin Park, please refer to any Ontario Road Map. Travel along Highway 60 to the Two Rivers Campground (approx. kilometer 32 - the highway in the Park has kilometer markings every kilometer starting at the West Gate [km 0] and going to the East Gate [km 56]. Drive past the gatehouse and keep to the left - this will bring you to the beach. The old airfield is accessible by driving down the Mew Lake Campground Rd. (km 30.6). Travel past the woodyard and turn left into the parking lot for the Old Railway Bike Trail. The airfield is a large open field extending from the Parking lot east to the Lake of Two Rivers.
Good birding,
Colin Jones
Lakefield, ON
naturalist@algonquinpark.on.ca
No Say's Phoebe in Algonquin - Wed, 27 Sep 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Just to confirm what Craig McLauchlin already reported, but it appears that the Say's Phoebe is gone. I spent some time again yesterday searching the airfield with no luck.
The last confirmed sighting is from the Nipissing Naturalist group which reported seeing the bird around 2:30 pm Sunday afternoon. If any birders have a later sighting, could they please email me privately.
Thanks,
Rick Stronks Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park Box 219 Whitney ON K0J 2M0 Phone: 613.637.2828 Fax: 613.637.2138 Email: rick.stronks@mnr.gov.on.ca Web: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Say's Phoebe (SyPb) in Algonquin Park - Wed, 27 Sep 2000 This is a report concerning the SAY'S PHOEBE seen in Algonquin Park, ON at the Old Airfield on 23 Sep '00. I'm not the greatest computer friendly person in the world, so as you follow along, you'll find I'm following the format of the OFO Rare Bird Report Form. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me either by phone or email.
Say's Phoebe 23 Sep '00 1-1yr(this year's young?)-unknown 1315 to 1335 hrs (1:15 to 1:35pm) The Old Airfield (Mew Lake exit-30km mark), Algonquin Park ON Overcast (100%), drizzle, no wind, ~15C 10-15m (closest approach) KOWA, Prominar, TSN-3 Spotting Scope, MINOLTA 8x40 binos and SONY Digital Still Camera, MVC-FD7 Photos taken and attached Martin Roncetti PO Box 33 Petawawa, ON K8H 2X1 ~20 years of birding 23 Sep '00
I saw the bird in question on the northern edge of the Old Airfield next to the brush line (Mike Runz was also at this time looking for the SyPb, his group discovered the bird and put me onto it). It appeared to be feeding as it looked around constantly and flew from open perches into the grass and back to a perch. The bird had a dark head, 'brownish-grey' back, dark wings w/ two wing-bars, a yellowish tinge on belly, reddish undertail coverts and occasional bobbing of its tail. Sightly bigger than an EASTERN PHOEBE but not quite as large as an EASTERN KINGBBIRD. Reminded me more of a E. Kingbird than a E. Phoebe.
Martin Roncetti Petawawa, ON (613) 735-4925 mail718g@dnd.ca (email address)Gord, I figured you would have heard by now (perhaps you have), I had some good views of the SyPh. 3 of the 4 jpegs are not very good, jepg 3 is alright.Good Birdin',
Martin Roncetti
(613)735-4925
mail718g@dnd.caCheers,
MartinSgt. MJ. Roncetti, CD 1Tp., 2CER CFB Petawawa, ON K8H 2X3
(613) 687-5511, Ext 5808
e-mail: mail718g@dnd.ca
Say's Phoebe still in Algonquin - Sun, 24 Sep 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
The Say's Phoebe was seen again this morning around 7:30 am and again in the early afternoon at the old airfield in Algonquin Park.
Could any birders that travel up to the Park to see this bird please report sightings to the Visitor Centre at kilometer 43 (you can fill in the Bird Sightings Binder) or email me privately so that we can document how long this bird stays.
To get to Algonquin Park, please refer to any Ontario Road Map. To find the old airfield, travel along Highway 60 to the Mew Lake Campground (kilometer 30.6 - the highway in the Park has kilometer markings every kilometer starting at the West Gate [km 0] and going to the East Gate [km 56]. Travel past the woodyard and turn left into the parking lot for the Old Railway Bike Trail. The airfield is a large open field extending from the Parking lot east to the Lake of Two Rivers. The bird has been seen along the footpath along the north side of the airfield and at times has been seen closer to the marsh.
You must have a valid permit on your car so you should stop at either the East or West Gates to pick up a daily vehicle pass ($10.00).
Good birding,
Rick Stronks Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park Ph: 613.637.2828 Fx: 613.637.2138 Email: rick.stronks@mnr.gov.on.ca Web: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Say's Phoebe Still In Algonquin - Sat, 23 Sep 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
I arrived at the old airstrip in Algonquin Provincial Park at 9 a.m., Saturday 23 Sept. It was lightly raining, but it soon tapered off. There were many interesting birds around including a flock of 25 Horned Larks, several American Pipits, a Philadelphia Vireo, a Field Sparrow many Palm Warblers and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. At 11:17 a.m. I found the Say's Phoebe foraging from the tops of some small shrubs near the location it was reported from yesterday, i.e., on the road/footpath that runs along the north side of the abandoned airstrip on the west side of Lake of Two Rivers, about half way between this lake and the parking lot on the north west end of the airstrip. It started to rain lightly at 11:30 a.m. when I left. ********** Burke Korol Huntsville, ON burke.korol@sympatico.ca
Say's Phoebe - Algonquin Park - Fri, 22 Sep 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
This afternoon at 4:00 pm, Doug Tozer and Andrea Stewart found a Say's Phoebe at the old airfield in Algonquin Provincial Park. This is the first record for the Park.
The bird was seen by several other people including Dan Strickland, Jennifer Neate and myself between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
The bird (1st year??) was seen in the open part of the airfield sitting on small pine and spruce trees approximately 4 to 6 feet high. It would fly into the low shrubs/grasses and was seen feeding on crickets and moths. The bird was seen at close distances (30 feet) several times.
Could any birders that travel up to the Park to see this bird please report sightings to the Visitor Centre at kilometer 43 (you can fill in the Rare Bird Binder) or email me privately so that we can document how long this bird stays.
To get to Algonquin Park, please refer to any Ontario Road Map. To find the airfield, travel along Highway 60 to the Mew Lake Campground (kilometer 30.6 - the highway in the Park has kilometer markings every kilometer starting at the West Gate [km 0] and going to the East Gate [km 56]. Travel past the woodyard and turn left into the parking lot for the Old Railway Bike Trail. The airfield is a large open field extending from the Parking lot east to the Lake of Two Rivers. The bird has been seen along the footpath along the north side of the airfield about half way between the parking lot and the lake.
You must have a valid permit on your car so you should stop at either the East or West Gates to pick up a daily vehicle pass ($10.00).
Good birding,
Rick Stronks Park Naturalist Algonquin Provincial Park Ph: 613.637.2828 Fx: 613.637.2138 Email: rick.stronks@mnr.gov.on.ca Web: www.algonquinpark.on.ca
Great Egret in Algonquin - Sun, 30 Jul 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
On Saturday July 29th around 5:00 p.m., an adult great egret was spotted by two of our summer naturalists (Carl Rothfels and Chris Robinson) on Lake Travers on the east side of Algonquin Provincial Park. This is only the seventh record for the Park and the first since 1985. This bird was seen again today by a number of staff at approximately 1:00 p.m.. It is in a large marshy section of the lake just off the old millsite area near the Algonquin Radio Observatory. Although this is accessible to the public, it is a difficult site to find and get into. Anyone who requires directions can email me privately or call me at the number below.
Good birding,
Rick Stronks
Algonquin Park Visitor Centre
613.637.2828
rick.stronks@mnr.gov.on.ca
Algonquin July 23 to 25 - Wed, 26 Jul 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
I canoe camped in the Butt Lake and Little Misty Lake area for the last few days and found lots of birds. All were expected but I was surprised at the variety and voracity of the dawn chorus [vireos, thrushes, warblers, RB Grosbeak mostly]. There was lots of evidence of nesting warblers and other small passerines. Of note were Boreal Chickadees [2] along the Misty Lake portage to Little Trout Lake, lots of Broad-winged Hawks, White-winged Crossbill on Butt Lake, Pine Siskin on Queer Lake and Olives-sided Flycatcher near Kearney.
Geoff Carpentier
Ajax, Ont
carpenge@ene.go.on.ca
Algonquin Ravens, Crossbills-July 16-20 - Fri, 21 Jul 2000 Ontario Birders,
Words are inadequate to describe the experience of five days at Algonquin Park. Some species observed were:July 16- Arowhon Road- Canada, Chestnut-sided, Am. Redstart, Ovenbird, B+White, Black thr. Blue, etc.
July 17- Spruce Bog Trail- Gray Jay 3, Nashville 3, White-winged Crossbill 3
10K. RailTrail (Rock Lake to Mew Lake)- White-winged Crossbill 9, C. Raven 3, Magnolia 13, Black-throated Green 8, Evening Grosbeak 7
July 18- Opeongo Road- Purple Finch 1, Red Crossbill 1, W. W. Crossbill 6
Bat Lake Trail- W.W. Crossbill 2, Boreal Chickadee 2, N. Parula 1
Mew Lake- Evening Grosbeak 13 Track+Tower Trail- Boreal Chickadee 1
July 19- Oxtongue River- Blackburnian Oxtongue Lake- C. Raven 1
July 20- Minnesing 5K. Biketrail- Black-thr. Green 21, Black-thr. Blue 18, Ovenbird 3
Outdoor Theatre- N. Parula and nest, Gray Jay 3.
Bird and wildflower hikes are free. Many thanks to Mike Runtz for showing us a recently vacated N. Parula hanging nest constructed from lichens. This was near the Ampitheatre while he conducted a wildflower walk for Ontario Parks.
Good birding,
Fred Urie
Oakville
fredurie@yahoo.com
Purple Martin in Algonquin PP - Sat, 1 Jul 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
We were working in Algonquin Provincial Park from Monday to Thursday (26-29 June) and found around 70 species of birds. The highlight was on Wednesday the 28th when we heard a Purple Martin over Hwy. 60 approximately 200 m west of the Canisbay Lake Road. It was around 10 a.m. This species is listed as very rare on the park checklist.
Sixteen species of warblers were singing and I found a pair of Northern Parulas (female carrying food for young) about 200 m north of Hwy. 60 on the Cache Lake/Canisbay Lake Portage, on the east side of the trail.
**********
Burke Korol
Guelph, ON
burke.korol@sympatico.ca
Algonquin Park Birds June 20-22 - Sun, 25 Jun 2000 Gord,
Here are my sightings for Algonquin from June 20 a.m. to June 22 a.m.On Tuesday 20th I hiked Mizzy Lake Trail and had Boreal Chickadees, 1 Black-backed Woodpecker, 1 male Spruce Grouse, Nashville Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Black th. Green, Parula, Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Black thr. Blue, Blackburnian, Ovenbird, N. Waterthrush, Com. Yellowthroat, Redstart, Alder Flycatcher, and other common species.
On the Two Rivers trail I had a White-winged Crossbill, Pileated Woodpecker, Ruffed Grouse, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. On the Spruce Bog Trail I had another Spruce Grouse which I walked right up to as it was taking a dirt bath.
Nesting loons were on Peck Lake.
On Wednesday 21st I hiked Booth's Rock Trail and noted a male Black-backed Woodpecker and a N. Junco on the bluff.
On Thursday 22nd I hiked Centennial Ridges Trail and noted a pair of Broad-winged Hawks off one of the bluffs. Also saw N. Junco there. Obviously they like the high places.
Overall, there were lots of warblers on the trails, and it was a rather enjoyable trip
Blake A. Mann,
Wallaceburg,
Chatham-Kent, Ont.
email: boatmann@kent.net
New to Internet Birding - Sun, 7 May 2000 Hello,
My name is Diane and I have only recently gotten on Internet and found the birding site.
I have been birding for several years, but still am a novice - I see that people report what they saw at various locations and I would like to share my birds from this weekend at Algonquin Park (May 5-7) but I don't know how to report to the sightings page - I am very new to Internet!
I will report to you and perhaps you could share with others and could you let me know how to get in touch with other birders on Internet so I can ask questions.
We were very fortunate to catch the full mating display of the woodcock along Highway 60 just past the Oxtongue Lake Cottages (where we were staying) on the Oxtongue Lake Road. We heard the peent calls and saw the bird fly up and around in a small circle making the sound with it's wings - then dive in a spiral back to the ground. We watched for over an hour. First time I have been fortunate to see & hear this. I know it's probably old hat to most of you, but I was very excited to be able to see it.
In the park we saw 2 Ruffed grouse on Bat Lake trail at the Lookout and heard them drumming. There were Evening Grosbeaks at the main gate feeder and barn swallows under the office roof - also chipping sparrows and brown-headed cowbirds. Did not hear a phoebe this year (usually heard coming from the woods behind the washrooms across from the main gate by the large Algonquin sign.)
Some others of our group went on the Mizzy Lake Trail and had 3 gray jays come to their hands to eat lunch. They reported ruffed grouse sighted and drumming there also.
Other birds heard on this trip - Carolina Wren (Bat Lake trail - not too far in along from parking lot), Winter wren - all over the place, Ovenbird (at Ragged Falls) Bittern (along Oxtongue River while paddling up to foot of Ragged Falls)
Seen as well over the weekend - Common Mergansers, Mallards, Buffleheads (on Bat Lake) Common Loon (hear lovely calling on Friday and Saturday night at Oxtongue Lake) 3 Broad-wing hawks, lots of Ravens & several unidentified warblers.
Hope I will get a reply from someone. Thanks for your patience.
OFO Algonquin Park Field Trip - Sat, 29 Apr 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Hello Ontbirders,
Ron and Doug Tozer led this very popular OFO outing on Saturday 29 April. The 70 participants in 32 cars had excellent views of many northern specialties. Highlights included:
A. Along Highway 60 near km 8 just east of the entrance to Tea Lake Dam
3 or 4 Black-backed Woodpeckers on hydro poles - close views.
1 calling Boreal Chickadee also gave excellent views.B. Opeongo Road
1 male Spruce Grouse found by birders from Ottawa. It was perched in a Black Spruce about 500 m north of the bridge. Great views with binoculars and telescope.
1 calling Boreal Chickadee.
2 Gray Jays near gate on Opeongo Road taking food from the hand.C. Spruce Bog Boardwalk
A male and female Spruce Grouse near register box. The male strutted, red combs bristling, towards a bright red hat owned by one of our members!
2 Boreal Chickadees seen and heard.
2 Purple FinchesD. East Gate
A pair of Merlins copulating near nest site.
E. Airfield near Lake of Two Rivers
1 Osprey, 2 Horned Grebes and Eastern Meadowlarks
A total of 62 species was recorded by the group including at least 6 Merlins, Broad-winged Hawks, Northern Harriers, Common Ravens, Common Loons, Evening Grosbeaks and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Several moose were seen at close range along Highway 60.
On behalf of trip participants, we thank Ron and Doug Tozer for a wonderful birding day in Algonquin Park.
Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Jean Iron President, Ontario Field Ornithologists 9 Lichen Place Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3 Canada Phone: 416-445-9297 jeaniron@globedirect.com Web Page: www.interlog.com/~ofo
Algonquin Park birds - Sat, 15 Apr 2000 I hope that most of you were able to be out birding today because it was a magnificent spring day, at least here in Algonquin Park! Doug and I toured the Highway 60 Corridor and recorded 62 species (so far; I intend to go out again shortly!). There were many new arrivals on the Algonquin Highlands today, and several of these were relatively early dates for the species. New arrivals were: Northern Pintail (3 at Lake of Two Rivers), American Kestrel (3 at the Airfield), Common Snipe (4 displaying at Long Lake), Belted Kingfisher (at least 4 along the highway), Northern Flicker (several), Barn Swallow (4 at Smoke Creek bridge; a record early date for Algonquin Park), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (widespread and singing), Savannah Sparrow (2 at Long Lake and 1 at the Airfield), Swamp Sparrow (1 at Long Lake and 2 at Sunday Creek), White-throated Sparrow (several), and American Goldfinch (1 at the Visitor Centre feeder; there were none here this winter!).
Other interesting sightings today included: Merlin (1 at East Gate), Spruce Grouse (displaying male and female at bend along top end of Opeongo Road; note that the gate is still locked, so you would have to walk up the road), Rock Dove (female on nest in MTO salt dome at East Gate; the first confirmed nesting of this species for Algonquin Park); Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (calling and tapping in many locations); Bohemian Waxwing (flock of 15 along Opeongo Road); and Common Redpoll (6 at Visitor Centre niger feeder).
A Fisher came to the Visitor Centre suet feeder yesterday and today, both visits being during the afternoon. I make no promises about its presence again, however. The Centre is now open on weekends only, 10 am to 5 pm. It is located at Km 43 on Hwy. 60.
A few moose are showing up along the road, but the population appears to be significantly lowere after last spring's major die-off due to winter tick.
Yellow-rumped Warblers have arrived here too; one was at Huntsville yesterday (April 14; seen by Doug Tozer), and two were noted by us at Dwight today. None in Algonquin today, but they must be here!
Two Norther Saw-whet Owls were calling at the Trailer Sanitation Station last evening.
I would recommend the following locations for the species listed below:
Spruce Grouse: Sprucebog Boardwalk, and Opeongo Road
Boreal Chickadee: Opeongo Road
Black-backed Woodpecker: Km 8
All locations mentioned above can be located by looking at a copy of our Algonquin Park tabloid, available at the gates (when you get your permit!). Algonquin Park can be reached from Toronto by going north on Hwys. 400 and 11 to Huntsville, and then taking Hwy. 60 east to the West Gate of the park. Please consult an Ontario road map. I hope that you will come up, and if you do, please record your observations in our sightings book at the Visitor Centre front desk.Ron Tozer
ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Algonquin Park Visitor Centre: 613 637-2828
Algonquin, Black-backed Woodpecker, Grey Jay, Boreal Chickadee, etc - Sun, 2 Apr 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
April 1st observations from Algonquin Park, all distances from West Gate on Hwy #60.
km3 - Western Upland Trail - Black-capped Chickadees, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Grackles, Robins and Juncos.
km8 - Male Black-backed woodpecker on pole by gate. It moves back and forward between this gate and the Tea Lake Dam gate and all the pole have been drilled. Walking in towards Tea Lake a pair of Grey Jays were moving along the river bank.
km42 - Not birds, but cow and two calf moose at approx 8 feet from road! Ravens overhead.
km 43 - Visitor Centre - Common Redpoll, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-wing Blackbirds at feeder, on ground or adjacent trees - nothing exceptional until a Sharp-shinned Hawk swooped down under the observation deck towards the feeder sending everything scattering in all directions.
km43 - Spruce Bog trail - absolutely nothing :-(
Opeongo Road - Newly paved but gated half-way up. Continued walking up road to bottom end of Lake. 4 Great-Blue Herons, several Black Duck, lots of Red-wing blackbirds and Golden-Crowned Kinglets, only one Boreal Chickadee seen. 3 otters at the ice edge where the river flows into the lake along with pair of Common Mergansers. 3 Turkey Vultures in the distance and a Northern Harrier working the marshy areas. Finally another Grey Jay by the gate.
Paths are either snow/ice covered or muddy, but Opeongo Rd was ploughed. Lakes are all still frozen so not too many waterfowl.
April 2 - Presqu'ile Park - wet!!! Lots of ducks, but not many of note except Ruddy Duck off the Calf Pasture. 1 Barn Swallow among the Tree Swallows off the tip. Also at Lighthouse - several E. Phoebes, Brown Creepers. I missed the Hoary Redpoll and Carolina Wren which have been seen in the residential area. A beaver was seen swimming in the marsh by the viewing station.
No doubt others will give a more comprehensive report.
Pat Martin
Guelph, Ontario
pmartin@sentex.net
"And no birds sang.." - Fri, 31 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Ontbirds:
I visited Algonquin Provincial Park on March 29 and 30, 2000. During the period I visited the park, it was snowing much of the time and there was six inches of fresh snow on the ground. I would not recommend any one visit the park when conditions are this way. Much of the side roads were unopen and in fact the parking areas were not open. (i.e. had not been plowed out) I was able to drive into the Opeongo Lake road, but it was only partially open. Except for at bird feeders, I saw and heard very few birds. At four feeders within the park (two of which were in locations I was not supposed be at--I was desperate!), there were quite a few birds, but none that I could not have seen at my own feeder at home.
I found that at most feeders the dominant birds were blackbirds and grackles. Except for a few redpolls, there were no winter finches present.
As mentioned, away from bird feeders, bird life was very scarce within the park. Birds sighted were as follows:
AMERICAN BLACK DUCK--4 RED-TAILED HAWK--1 GRAY JAY--1 (very secretive and probably heading for its nest site) AMERICAN CROW--10 or so COMMON RAVEN--3 (much more common outside the park) NORTHERN SHRIKE--1Not a very impressive list.I took several long walks well away from the highway. I was really surprised at the lack of bird life. It was so quiet that at times I thought I had gone deaf. I was reassured that I hadn't only when I was able to hear a large truck passing at a distance on the highway.
With the trees covered with snow it made the scenery beautiful, but this hardly copensated fot the lack of wild life.
Denys Gardiner,
Brantford
Algonquin PP - Sat Mar 25 - Sun, 26 Mar 2000 Hi All,
David Shilman and I went to Algonquin Provincial Park on Friday evening, we started out by trying to get a response out of some owls, after trying about 5 or 6 different spots along Hwy. 60 between Km's 19 & 23, we finally got a Barred Owl to respond just east of Km 22, but no Northern Saw-whet Owls responded.
On Saturday morning we started out from the west gate, stopping there at 7am we saw many Evening Grosbeaks, a Great Blue Heron flying over and 3 Pileated Woodpeckers, also there were a few Common Redpolls, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Tree Sparrows and other more common species.
Stopping at Km 8 (Tea Lake Dam), hoping for Black-backed Woodpeckers, we had two separate Brown Creepers singing and gleaning for insects, but no luck on the woodpeckers.
At approximately Km 25 we saw a Red-tailed Hawk fly across Hwy. 60 and at Km 33 (Lake of Two Rivers picnic area), we stopped to see a beautiful displaying Ruffed Grouse and got some good pictures.
We went on to Opeongo Road (Km 45?) and walked past the gate at Cameron Lake Road, it was very quiet at that time but we did have Mallards & American Black Ducks on Costello Creek (?? I think this is the creek by the road), about 2 km beyond the gate we got a very quick glimpse of a Boreal Chickadee and two Gray Jays as well as another Great Blue Heron, but no luck on Spruce Grouse. We also heard a pair of Canada Geese on the walk back to the car as well as another Brown Creeper singing. On the drive back out we saw a pair of Wood Ducks on Costello Creek.
We had no luck on the Spruce Bog trail, no Spruce Grouse or Gray Jays, but we did hear some Golden-crowned Kinglets, and had a quick 'chip' from a Chickadee, but no way to say that it was Boreal for sure, also here was a Blue Jay.
Stopping back at Km 8 we saw a male Black-backed Woodpecker (drumming on the utility pole beside the Km 8 sign), got some great pictures of it. Just after leaving the park we were talking about a B-b Woodpecker sighting at Boyne Creek the prior year, and lo and behold another male Black-backed just east of the Boyne Creek bridge (which is just east of Echo Hills Road along Hwy. 60).
I should note that Rock Lake Road and Arowhon Pines Road are closed right at Hwy. 60, so if you want to go to the Whitefish mill site (near the end of Rock Lake road) or Wolf Howl Pond (old railway bed on the right of Arowhon Road approximately 6 or 7 km in), you'll be in for a very long walk.
We stopped quickly in at Huntsville but no luck on the Hooded Crow.
DIRECTIONS:
Algonquin Provincial Park
Hwy 60 east off Hwy 11 at Huntsville to Algonquin PP.Hooded Crow site:
From Toronto, go north on Highways 400 and 11, to the third exit for Huntsville, which is Highway 60. Follow it to the first traffic lights; turn right at these lights and go straight into town until you come to a barrier at the main bridge over the Muskoka River (bridge is under construction!). Turn right at the barrier, onto John Street, and look around the parking lot (on your left) adjacent to the river which serves Blackburn's Landing (a group of shops and restaurants). You are at the right place if you see the sign for PastaWorks. The bird sometimes forages along the river edge, or in the parking lot dumpster.Take care & good birding,
Frank Pinilla
Richmond Hill, ON
frank.pinilla@ca.pwcglobal.com----------------------------------------------------------------
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Algonquin Prov. Park 3/25/2000 and the Hooded Crow - Sat, 25 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Dave Mudd and Myself saw the Hooded Crow sitting on the dumpster fence this morning at 7:30 am. I can now say with 113% confidence now after seeing this bird is that is an escapee. I observed three reasons why it is not wild.
1) Most of the primaries and tail feathers show varying amounts of damage which point towards a bird kept in a wire cage.
2) Several toenails are quite over grown. This feature is readily seen in birds which have not been suitable cared for in captivity.
3) It was a weak flyer. Even with all the visible damage to it's flight feathers it should of been a stronger flier than what it was.However if anyone heading to Algonquin Park or travelling along Hwy 11 want to see an interesting bird than stop by a view it.
Algonquin Park
We ran into Doug Tozer at the west gate and he showed us a Rusty blackbird in a flock of various blackbird species. Other species present Evening Grosbeaks, Dark-eyed Juncos and Brown-headed Cowbirds.
At Km 8 (tea lake dam road) we met up with Doug again and he told us there was a male Black-backed Woodpecker at the 4th pole east of the road. When we arrived at the pole the male was gone, but at the pole on the south side of Highway 60 a female was escavating a cavity. Before we left the area we had located 3 more Black-backed woodpeckers ( 2 males and 1 female). All four Black-backed woodpecker at one time were within our sight. Other bird around Tea lake dam road and Oxtongue River were Canada Geese, Hooded mergansers, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, Brown Creepers, Herring Gulls, Pileated Woodpeckers and a Purple Finch.
At the trailer sanitation depot (Hwy 60 km 35-36 approximately the is a visible sign for the road)
1 male Red Crossbill, Pileated woodpeckers, Rusty Blackbird, and American Crow.
Spruce Bog trail
1 Gray Jay, 1 female Black-backed Woodpecker, and 3 Boreal chickadees
Visitor center
Common Redpolls,and Evening Grosbeaks
Opeongo Road
1 Boreal Chickadee approximately 200 feet past gate. Also Canada Geese and Song Sparrows
Hooded Crow Directions:courtesy of Ron Tozer
From Toronto, go north on Highways 400 and 11, to the third exit for Huntsville, which is Highway 60. Follow it to the first traffic lights; turn right at these lights and go straight into town until you come to a barrier at the main bridge over the Muskoka River (bridge is under construction!). Turn right at the barrier, onto John Street, and look around the parking lot (on your left) adjacent to the river which serves Blackburn's Landing (a group of shops and restaurants). You are at the right place if you see the sign for PastaWorks. The bird sometimes forages along the river edge, or in the parking lot dumpster. It is present from dawn to about 4.30 pm.
For Algonquin Park continue east from Huntsville on Highway 60.
Tyler Hoar
Oshawa
thoar@home.com
Algonquin Park Birds: March 18 to 24 - Fri, 24 Mar 2000 Migrants continued to pour in this week, including blackbirds, robins, Canada Goose, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Black Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, Song Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark.
Spruce Grouse: seen regularly at Sprucebog and Opeongo Road.
Boreal Chickadee: giving "musical call" now; try same places for them, plus Wolf Howl Pond.
Black-backed Woodpecker: a drumming female is regular on the utility poles near Tea Lake dam road (Km 8)
Gray Jay: most reliable on Opeongo Road, and at Visitor Centre, but most females are on eggs now, so there are only half as many visible!
Common Redpoll: 20 to 90 at Visitor Centre feeder
Hoary Redpoll: one or two at this feeder until March 21
Pine Grosbeak: last one seen at West Gate on March 23
Pine Siskin: very scarce, but present.
Evening Grosbeak: getting more numerous
Directions: from Toronto, go north on Hwys. 400 and 11. Turn right onto Hwy. 60, and proceed to West Gate of Algonquin Park. Get a brochure at the gate to locate all areas mentioned. See a road map to get here from the east.
Please record your sightings at the Visitor Centre (open weekends, 10 to 5), or e-mail highlights to me. Laura Tozer will be on the front desk this weekend, and can provide up to date information on bird sightings. We are especially interested in dates for arrivals, so don't assume that even common birds have already been recorded this spring. Thanks.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre
613 637-2828
ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Hood Crow and Algonquin park.. - Thu, 23 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Please Excuse my spelling ,I am Dyslexic
thank you for your understanding.today The Hooded Crow was seen in Huntsville from 8:30 to 9:00 am it then flue down river and diapered from sight?? So now Ill through some fly,s in to the outmint in asking why are we thinking this is a escape bird ?? if a Red Wing could show up in Quebec why couldn't a Hooded Crow show up in Ontario????
I ask this only do to the fact that ever thing I tried to chub this Crow in with Breed and Seed dint work .I dint try meet do to MacDonald's was only serving breakfast at that time.. ,, Pleas reply to me in private so not to break any rules of Ontbirds thank you ..
It was nice to see 3 speeches of Crow at one time in Ontario thought....
Also in Algonquin Park displaying Spruce Grouse (that dint like my red shoe leases ) on the Spruce bog walk trail , A grey jay at the Visitor centre and 1 Boreal Chickadee up Opeongo rd.
Directions: From Toronto, go north on Highways 400 and 11, to the third exit for Huntsville, which is Highway 60. Follow it to the first traffic lights; turn right at these lights and go straight into town until you come to a barrier at the main bridge over the Muskoka River (bridge is under construction!). Turn right at the barrier, onto John Street, and look around the parking lot (on your left) adjacent to the river which serves Blackburn's Landing (a group of shops and restaurants). You are at the right place if you see the sign for PastaWorks. The bird sometimes forages along the river edge, or in the parking lot dumpster. It is present from dawn to about 4.30 pm.
Craig.S.A.McLauchlan
Toronto/Ont/Canada/World.
csam@sympatico.ca
Hooded Crow still in Huntsville - Wed, 22 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
After receiving Ron Tozer's post, I had a chance to take a quick run into Huntsville this afternoon to see the Hooded Crow (Hoody Craw for all you Scots dialect speakers out there!).
After startling me with a call from it's perch on the dumpster enclosure as I stepped out of my car, it almost immediately flew up to the crown of the tree beside the red brick house at the north end of the parking lot. It spent the rest of the short time I was able to be there vocalizing from there. It was still there about 3:00pm.
As Ron said, whether it's tickable or not it's worth a look if you get a chance.
Directions (per Ron Tozer's post):
From Toronto, go north on Highways 400 and 11, to the third exit for Huntsville, which is Highway 60. Follow it to the first traffic lights; turn right at these lights and go straight into town until you come to a barrier at the main bridge over the Muskoka River (bridge is under construction!). Turn right at the barrier, onto John Street, and look around the parking lot (on your left) adjacent to the river which serves Blackburn's Landing (a group of shops and restaurants). You are at the right place if you see the sign for PastaWorks.cheers,
warren
**************************************** Warren I. Dunlop Fisheries Analyst Southcentral Sciences Section Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources R.R. # 2 Bracebridge, ON Canada, P1L 1W9 Tel: (705) 646-5548 Fax: (705) 645-7379 mailto:warren.dunlop@mnr.gov.on.ca ****************************************
Algonquin - March 24/25 - Wed, 22 Mar 2000 Hi Ron,
A few questions for you.
David Shilman and I plan on coming up to Algonquin PP this weekend and were wondering what the prospect of Boreal Chickadees is, we thought we'd try Opeongo Road, beyond the gate, in the Black Spruce area as well as the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, are there any other active areas with some recent reports? Possibly also along Arowhon Road?
Also, any recent sightings of Black-backed Woodpecker, Spruce Grouse or any finches, has anyone reported anything from the Whitefish Millsite?
How much snow is up there now? Are we going to need some winter-type boots or will waterproof hiking boots be enough now?
Thanks in advance for any assistance,
Frank
frank.pinilla@ca.pwcglobal.com----------------------------------------------------------------
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RE: Algonquin - March 24/25 - Wed, 22 Mar 2000Good luck, Frank. Please let me know what you see. Lots of migrants coming in during the last two days (redwings, crows, robins, grackles).
-Boreal Chickadee: Opeongo Road, Sprucebog, Arowhon Road. They are giving "musical call" now, as well as usual vocalizations.
-Black-backed Woodpecker: female drumming on pole near Tea Lake Dam road today. This is the most recent sighting.
-Spruce Grouse: people have been seeing them at Sprucebog. Wolf Howl Pond and Opeongo Road would also be worth checking. Flutter flight displays by males have started.
-Common Redpolls (90) and Hoary Redpoll (1) at Visitor Centre feeder yesterday.
-Evening Grosbeak: a few around, but scarce. May be at our feeder here.
-Pine Grosbeak: may be all gone.
-Pine Siskin: hear two fly over today. Scarce.
Nothing at Whitefish Millsite today except a Northern Shrike, but you could check.Not enough snow anywhere to be a problem. Waterproof hiking boots are fine. We birded everywhere in shoes today! We even found a butterfly: Mourning Cloak on Rock Lake Road; record early!
Regards,
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre
613 637-2828ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Hooded Crow - Wed, 22 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
There is an unbanded Hooded Crow (currently considered a subspecies of the Carrion Crow) in downtown Huntsville, since Monday (March 20). I saw the bird this morning, and "record shot quality" photographs have been taken. The AOU Check-list (1998) lists one previous North American occurrence for this Old World species (at the Salton Sea), which was considered a probable escape. The Huntsville bird is almost certainly an escape as well (it would be interesting to know where it might have escaped from, however). Regardless of its "tickability", this is a neat bird, especially when it flies around vocalizing and wing-tail flicking upon landing (another crow species that does this, Ron Pittaway!). Birders in the area this weekend might well take a detour to Huntsville to see it. For the optimistic among you, this occurrence, following as it does on the Blue Tit in Gravenhurst during the winter of 1973-74, might even be considered part of a European trend developing in Muskoka! Could be grounds for seeking "wild" acceptance by the OBRC (this is a joke, fellow members!)
Directions: From Toronto, go north on Highways 400 and 11, to the third exit for Huntsville, which is Highway 60. Follow it to the first traffic lights; turn right at these lights and go straight into town until you come to a barrier at the main bridge over the Muskoka River (bridge is under construction!). Turn right at the barrier, onto John Street, and look around the parking lot (on your left) adjacent to the river which serves Blackburn's Landing (a group of shops and restaurants). You are at the right place if you see the sign for PastaWorks. The bird sometimes forages along the river edge, or in the parking lot dumpster. It is present from dawn to about 4.30 pm.
Good luck.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre
613 637-2828ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Western Tanager - Mon, 13 Mar 2000 Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).
After no reported sightings on Sunday, the bird was observed at 11 am today (March 13) by Steve Charbonneau and Deb Lane (as noted in the Algonquin Visitor Centre sightings book). No details on exact location and behaviour are available at this time. Perhaps the observers could let me know. Thanks. Today is the 12th day we know of for this bird to be present in Whitney, although there are rumours among neighbours in the area that it has been around for the last "three weeks".
Whitney is east of Algonquin Park on Highway 60; please see a road map for details. I can give directions to where the bird has been seen.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre
613 637-2828
ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network
are repeated courtesy of the Ontario
Field Ornithologists (OFO).
Bev Scott reported seeing this bird today at 11.30 am. Apparently, it
was in
some bushes on the east side of Ottawa Street, a few houses down from
the
intersection with Post Street, where it has been visiting a suet feeder.
Hope I got the details correct, Bev.
Unfortunately, I may have created some confusion over the exact location
of
the suet feeder. It is in the backyard of the first house on your left
after
turning off Post Street onto Ottawa Street (not right on the corner,
where
there is a vacant lot). Turn onto Post Street at the main village
intersection, at the Shell station.
Please advise me privately of any other sightings of the Western
Tanager
today. Thanks.
Whitney is on Hwy. 60, east of Algonquin Park. Please see an Ontario
road
map.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre
613 637-2828
ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
Western Tanager at Whitney Update - Fri, 10 Mar 2000
Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).The adult male Western Tanager was seen at the Post and Ottawa Streets location in Whitney on 4.30 pm yesterday (March 9). A pattern of visiting the feeder late in the day may be developing, since the bird was not reported there earlier in the day (to my knowledge). Please report any sightings of this bird to me privately. I am trying to put together a complete listing of when this bird was seen. Thanks.
Whitney is located on Hwy. 60, east of Algonquin Park. At the main intersection in the village, turn onto Post Street (at the Shell station) and proceed a few hundred metres to the junction with Ottawa Street (at Russell's Food Mart). The suet feeder is visible at this intersection, when you stand with your back facing the Foodmart. See an Ontario road map for how to get there.
Ron Tozer
ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca
The Western Tanager at Whitney was seen today at the same location (see earlier message for details on getting to the junction of Post and Ottawa Streets) at 8.30 am and 11.45 am by Michael Runtz. However, the bird was absent between those times, and seems to be moving around much more. After the last sighting, Mike noted that it moved along the Madawaska River (which is nearby), and well away from the original feeder location. Mike observed it feeding high in nearby trees, apparently on the insects which are emerging in the warmth. Today's very mild temperatures may be awakening the tanager's wander lust (and perhaps other lust as well!). It may be wise to contact us for an update before driving a long way to see this bird, in future.A Hoary Redpoll came to the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre feeder (at Km 43 along Hwy. 60) today, with about 30 Commons.
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Visitor Centre, Box 219, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0
e-mail: ron.tozer@mnr.gov.on.ca