Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Single Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, first and second year, are appearing amidst large flocks of Herring Gulls, at the juncture of the Mattawa and The Ottawa Rivers at Mattawa. 4 or 5 adult Great Black Backs can be seen often just north of the government dock on Lake Nipissing at North Bay. Mattawa is about 40 miles due east of North Bay, via Highway # 17.

Bald Eagles should also be seen there, and when one goes by, the gulls scatter from their roosting places.

A pretty Boreal Chickadee is appearing often near the feeder of Walter Moffat who lives adjacent to Highway # 63 at Redbridge, just 10 miles N.E. of North Bay.

Thus far Common Redpolls have been seen in fair numbers around North Bay, but only very few Grosbeaks yet, (either Pine or Evening).

North Bay's "world-leading" Christmas bird count will take place on Sunday Dec. 19. If you would like to participate in the largest count anywhere, (in number of participants) on this, the 100th year of the Christmas Bird Count, please contact:

Dick Tafel, North Bay, 705 472-7907

P.S. We have had nary a report of a swallow of any type for several weeks, much less a Cave Swallow - ; but a female Baltimore Oriole died peacefully at the base of a local feeder just last week.

Richard Tafel rtafel@sympatico.ca

This report comes from Haliburton County and Algonquin Park in central Ontario about 150 miles north of Toronto. The past week most the remaining leaves have fallen and we had our first major snowfall.

Common Redpolls are widespread. I've seen small flocks everyday this past week. There's no birch seed to hold them here so they should appear in numbers soon in southern Ontario.

Bohemian Waxings have been sighted several times this week in Minden, Dorset and Algonquin. There are no berries for them here. Bohemians could turn up anywhere. Listen for their rough lisping call notes. A flock of Bohemians in flight appears amazingly like a flock of starlings.

I expect that Pine Grosbeaks will arrive in Algonquin and Haliburton soon as American and Showy Mountain-ash (Sorbus) berries are scarce in northeastern Ontario and western Ouebec.

Report by Ron Pittaway

Jean Iron

President, Ontario Field Ornithologists

9 Lichen Place

Toronto, Ontario M3A 1X3

Canada

jeaniron@globedirect.com

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Following are highlights of Oct/23-- Male Spruce Grouse on RR line, Northern Shrike on Opeongo Rd and another at east end of airport field (both Immat), Ev. Grosbeaks(3) at airport, Blk Back. W/pecker on RRline, Field Sparrows(2) in thickets on Opeongo Rd, lots of Amer Tree Sparrows, Pine Siskins. Hooded Mergs were in good numbers.

Oct 24--- Common Redpoll (8) at side of Hywy 60 near Lake Two Rivers.
Female moose and yearling on RR line and Red Fox close to Redpoll site.

I spent the past three days in Algonquin with some friends and we had several good sightings. It was interesting to compare the state of migration there to southern Ontario.

In contrast to the heavy raptor movements along Lakes Ontario & Erie the past few days, there was little activity up north. We did see a few groups of 4-6 Turkey Vultures along Highway 11, but once inside the park we spotted only a few raptors (and notably there were no Broad-winged Hawks to be seen). The highlight was a juvenile Goshawk in furious level pursuit of a duck near Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail. Further east we observed a Merlin flying through the morning mist.

This area also was the most productive for warblers this weekend - Yellow-rumped Warblers were by far the most abundant, but there were also several each of Black-throated Blue and Black-throated Green. Some members of the group also spotted 6 Palm Warblers in this area. Other warblers are becoming scarce - over the weekend we saw only 1-2 each of Nashville, Tennessee, Blackburnian, and Common Yellowthroat.

Also in the West Rose Lake area of the Mizzy Lake Trail there were 2-3 very cooperative Boreal Chickadees, and ~5 Blue-headed Vireos (some of which were still singing!). There were a few Swamp, White-throated, and White-crowned Sparrows in this area too, but in general sparrows of any kind were remarkably scarce. Likewise, there were only a few kinglets, and the only finches we spotted were small numbers of Pine Siskins and American Goldfinches. On the other hand, as others have noted from elsewhere, Red-breasted Nuthatches are common this fall - we heard and/or saw them almost everywhere we went.

Algonquin Park is located along Highway 60, east of Huntsville. Maps are available at the park entrance showing the areas within the park mentioned above.

Good birding,

Hi Birders,
From August 23-28 my family was in Algonquin doing an interior trip from North Tea Lake-Manitou Lake-Kioshkokwi Lake. Here are the highlights: 1 Boreal Ckicadee, 7 Barred Owls, Black Throated Blue, Black and White, Magnolia, Blackburnian, Canada, Yellow Rumped, Pine, Mourning, Chestnut Sided Warblers, Am. Redstart, 6 Merlin's, Black Billed Cuckoo, Wood, Gray Cheecked Thrush, Hooded Mergansers, and Osprey.

Good Birding

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

I just returned from a canoeing adventure on Rain Lake in western Algonquin Park [Aug 12-15].

I thought I'd share a few of the highlights of the trip with you. Few "northern" finches were in evidence throughout as we only recorded two White-winged Crossbills (July 14 and 15), one Purple Finch and one Goldfinch. Thursday night was clear and while we enjoyed the meteorite show [about 50 in 45 minutes] I noted many migrants going over - mostly Gray-cheeked Thrushes, a few sparrows and warblers. Friday, we learned why this is called Rain Lake - #$%$@$^^^% - no birds anywhere!! We heard one Barred Owl (12th) and had two Boreal Chickadees on the 15th. The best part for me was the huge numbers and diversity of small passerines that were staging readying for migration. The small flocks were everywhere and actively fed (except Friday). A small night flight was noted on the 14th. Loons were particularly abundant, with up to six in a flock at one point. At least ten birds were on the lake and all were extremely vocal and repeatedly were noted flying off to the south and then returning a few minutes later. Cooper's Hawks were noted on the lake and near Kearney. The west end of the lake also had a Broad-winged Hawk. A friend tells me that she saw a male Spruce Grouse along the hiking trail about two weeks ago.

Mammals were also quite good, with Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Deer Mouse, and Masked Shrew recorded amongst the squirrels, groundhogs and chipmunks.

Good birding.

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

I picked up a news item on CBC Radio that those who plan an Algonquin visit should be aware of. A fatal accident took out the Smoke Creek bridge near but inside the west entrance to the park and all traffic is being detoured (not a small tour: an estimated 2 1/2 hours) around to the east entrance. The park is NOT closed, but those who plan a visit should make their initial entry through that east entrance on Route 60.

Regards, Gerry Rising

Gerry Rising                               phone: 716-689-8301

295 Robinhill Drive                          fax: 716-645-6841

Williamsville, NY 14221-1639            messages: 716-645-3175

e-mail: insrisg@acsu.buffalo.edu

web sites: http://wings.buffalo.edu/~insrisg/

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

On Friday 16th July I was canoeing down the Nipissing river with my son Kevin. While we were on the portage that branches out to Gibson lake, beside a park 'cottage' where there is an extensive meadow, we saw a covey of at least 6 Northern Bobwhite. I had excellent looks at them. At the time I felt it was unusual to see them this far north and I felt that no-one would have released them in this out-of-the-way area of the park so I assume they are truly wild birds.

Returning home I looked at my Algonquin check list (1990) and unless I am mistaken find that the Bobwhite is not on the list. Is this a new species for the park? Can anyone inform me further. Thanks.

By the way the Nipissing was full of birds. Right through the whole day and into the next we had a true symphony of birds calling constantly. Nothing that would not be expected but even my non-birding son can now recognise a few calls especially the ubiquitous White-throated Sparrow.

Ciao,

Antonio

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

The numbers of blackflies and warblers are both increasing dramatically here! Fifteen warbler species have been recorded up to May 6.

Active Black-backed Woodpecker nests along Highway 60 are located in: a large spruce tree to the right of the bridge over the Oxtongue River at the beginning of the Western Uplands Backpacking Trail at Km 3; and the first utility pole east of the Tea Lake Dam Road at Km 8. Please do not approach these nests closely.

Boreal Chickadees are still calling; recent locations are: Km 8, and Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail (Km 15.4).

Spruce Grouse have been seen at Sprucebog Trail (Km 42.5) and along the Opeongo Road.

Gray Jays are getting hard to locate; try the Opeongo Road (Km 46.3), and the Logging Museum parking lot (Km 54.5).

(sorry for absence of functioning e-mail for over a month!)

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Dave Moore and I saw a Yellow-rumped Warbler in Algonquin Park on April 2 at around 3:15 in the afternoon. We were looking down off the balcony at the back of the visitor centre. It's plumage appeared to be about half-way between "fall female" and "breeding female" as illustrated on page 363 of the 2nd edition National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America.

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

The day turned out to be quite good for some Algonquin specialties for David Shilman and I. The weather was not too agreeable as it was a little dreary, with a misty rain for almost the entire day, this kept the birds a little more quiet than would be expected for this time of year. I believe this is the reason for the lack of any Boreal Chickadees (I'm just not having any luck with them this year), even though we checked all the previously mentioned spots for this species, we also missed Black-backed Woodpecker, but following are some of the highlights:

• Spruce Grouse - nice male at the green pole (where Colin Jones had reported a B-b Woodpecker) about 1.5km north of the gate on Opeongo Road.
• Red Crossbills - 3 females (or possibly immature male) near Km 25 on Hwy 60.
• Evening Grosbeak - many all over
• White-winged Crossbill - still many in the Park
• Pine Siskin - 100's, the most common species seen
• Common Redpoll - only a couple
• Purple Finch - 1 male singing @ Spruce Bog trail, 1 female @ West Gate
• Gray Jay - 4 along Opeongo Road
• Eastern Phoebe - 1 along Hwy 60
• American Black Duck - on Costello Creek (Opeongo Road)
• Hooded Merganser - 2 males, 1 female also on Costello Creek
• American Kestrel - 2 males along Hwy 60
• Song Sparrow - 1 along Opeongo Road with some American Tree Sparrows
• Lots of American Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles & a few Brown-headed Cowbirds
• Moose - 3 (a female with a calf and later a bull, all seen along Hwy 60)

Good birding,

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Dear birders,

The DICKCISSEL continues to visit the Algonquin Visitor Centre feeding station in Algonquin Provincial Park - as of Friday morning March 26, 1999.

The Visitor Centre will be open on Saturday and Sunday, and the bird (if it continues to stick around) should be able to be seen from the Viewing Deck - go to the north end and look down to the area below the office windows. It's usual pattern it to be relatively frequent in the mornings, not so freqent in the mid-afternoon (sometimes being absent for an hour or more) but then begins to visit the seed again beginning around 3:30 or so. The Visitor Centre is open from 10:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m.

The Visitor Centre does not open until 10:00 a.m. and the gate at the bottom of the hill may not be open until 9:30 a.m. If arriving earlier, you are welcome to walk up from the gate and walk around the building to view the feeding station. If doing so, be sure to go around the south end of the building as there is a small cliff at the north end.

If making the trip for the DICKCISSEL other recent bird sightings you may be interested in include:

BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER - seen at several locations (see Ron Tozer's earlier post) - I personally saw a female excavating a nest cavity in a hydro pole up the Opeongo Road (north from Highway 60 at km 45 - a few km east of the Visitor Centre). The Opeongo Road is gated this time of year a few km north from the Highway but you can walk past the gate (the road is plowed and therefore easy to walk). The pole being excavated is green (most of them are brown) and is about 1 km north from the gate, a little past the open bog where Costello Creek crossed the road.

RED CROSSBILL - two "large-billed" females were seen yesterday on the Visitor Centre driveway. One "large-billed" male was seen yesterday at the extreme north end of the Opeongo Road at Opeongo Lake.

HOARY REDPOLL (exilipes) - I saw one yesterday, March 25 along with 3 COMMON REDPOLLS at the old Whitefish Millsite - feeding on the seeds of White Birch. Any flocks of redpolls should be checked for Hoary Redpoll. Although the redpolls I saw may have moved on,the Whitefish Mill Site and area can be a productive birding area. The Whitefish Millsite is accessible by driving south from the Highway on the Rock Lake Road (hasn't been plowed in a while so is a bit rutted). At the bottom of the road, keep to the right and drive to the gate at the bridge - south end of Whitefish Lake. The open water here should be checked for migrant waterfowl. From the gate, cross the bridge and walk along the logging road - you first pass a mature Black Spruce stand which often has BOREAL CHICKADEES - also look for BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, and GRAY JAY here. The Whitefish Millsite is a large open area, partly planted with Red Pine just past the Black Spruce Stand.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS continue to be common.

PINE GROSBEAKS appear to have vacated the Park with no recent sightings.

If visiting the Park, please report any sightings, including spring arrivals to Ron Tozer mailto:tozerro@epo.gov.on.ca When the Visitor Centre (Km 43) is open on weekends (10 am to 5 pm), including Easter (April 2 to 5), please check the sheets posted in the lobby for arrival dates, and record your sightings for Algonquin as well.

Thanks very much and if you make the trip to Algonquin I hope you manage to see the DICKCISSEL.

Good birding,

Thanks to the many birders who have forwarded reports of their Algonquin Park sightings to me this week. Please continue to do so, and include your observations of "spring arrivals" too. When the Visitor Centre (Km 43) is open on weekends (10 am to 5 pm), including Easter (April 2 to 5), please check the sheets posted in the lobby for arrival dates, and record your sightings for Algonquin as well. Sightings of "arrivals" in this period included: American Black Duck, and American Robin.

Spruce Grouse: birds are displaying now, and hence more easily found. Reports came in from Sprucebog Boardwalk (at least 3 birds) and Opeongo Road (north of the gate).

Northern Saw-whet Owl: at least one heard along the highway, but probably few people were trying for them. See previous update for this species and Barred Owl.

Black-backed Woodpecker: many observations, often involving birds excavating cavities ("pre-nesting activity") in utility poles, including: Km 3, Km 21.8 (male), km 45 (pair), km 49.9 (female), around Pole #53 along Opeongo Road (requires walking in from the gate for about 1 km), and bog west of Curv-Inn (near Oxtongue Lake) along Hwy. 60 west of Algonquin Park (female on pole).

Gray Jay: Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road.

Common Raven: active nest on Whitefish Lake cliff.

Boreal Chickadee: quite vocal now, and found by most observers, at: Arowhon Road (north of parking area); Opeongo Road, north of gate; and Sprucebog Boardwalk.

Red Crossbill: large-billed "race" seen at several locations: Visitor Centre parking lot and drive; Km 47; and Opeongo Road.

Hoary Redpoll: only one reported: 1 km west of West Gate. However, there are still many Common Redpolls and all flocks should be searched.

Pine Grosbeak: none reported. Did anybody see this species here during this reporting period? They may be all gone back north.

Dickcissel: one first winter male discovered at the Visitor Centre feeder yesterday (March 22); still present today (March 23). See instructions on separate posts for this species, a new bird for Algonquin Park (#266).

Keep those e-mail reports coming in!

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Dear Birders,

I am happy to report that as of this morning, Tuesday March 23, 1999, the Dickcissel spotted yesterday by Dan Strickland continues to visit the feeding station here at the Algonquin Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park. Personally I am happy because I was not here yesterday to see the bird - I am today however.

I appears to be a first winter male beginning to molt into adult plumage. It shows the beginnings of a black bib, and has some grey feathers coming in on the back of the head and the ear coverts (which is otherwise brownish). The yellow on the face and breast is quite bright.

For those who missed the earlier post, here once again are directions:

The Algonquin Visitor Centre is located on Highway 60 within Algonquin Provincial Park. It is 43 km east of the West Gate, or 12.8 km west of the East Gate.

The bird is visiting the feeder station (on the West side of the building - i.e. the side opposite the parking lot). It is most easily viewed from the Visitor Centre viewing deck. The Visitor Centre is not, however, open through the week. The feeder station can, however, be accessed by walking around the south side of the building and then proceeding to walk under the viewing deck to the north side. Do not walk around the north side as there is a small cliff!!

Anyone wishing to make the drive to Algonquin to come and see this bird may want to call the Visitor Centre to check on the status of this bird, and/or to make arrangements to access the viewing deck. The number at the Visitor Centre is (613) 637-2828. You may ask for me, Colin Jones, or Ron Tozer.

Good birding,

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Dear Birders,

This morning at approximately 10 a.m. Dan Strickland saw a winter plumage male Dickcissel coming to the feeder station at the Algonquin Visitor Centre, in Algonquin Park.

The bird appears to be hanging around, although it is being harassed by Blue Jays.

The Algonquin Visitor Centre is located on Highway 60 within Algonquin Provincial Park. It is 43 km east of the West Gate, or 12.8 km west of the East Gate.

The feeder station is most easily viewed from the Visitor Centre viewing deck. The Visitor Centre is not, however, open through the week. The feeder station can, however, be accessed by walking around the south side of the building and then proceeding to walk under the viewing deck to the north side. Do not walk around the north side as there is a small cliff!!

Anyone wishing to make the drive to Algonquin to come and see this bird may want to call the Visitor Centre to check on its status, and/or to make arrangements to access the viewing deck. The number at the Visitor Centre is (613) 637-2828.

If calling today, you should ask for Dan Strickland. Tomorrow, you can ask for myself (Colin Jones) or for Ron Tozer, who should be there as well.

Good birding,

Colin D. Jones

Naturalist

Algonquin Visitor Centre

Algonquin Provincial Park

Ontario, Canada

Tel: 613 637-2828

Fax: 613 637-2138

e-mail: naturalist@algonquinpark.on.ca

Home Tel: (705) 652-5004

The following updates are based on reports received from birders over the last four days. Thanks to all those who e-mailed their sightings.

-Spruce Grouse: 4 seen on Sprucebog trail; and 1 along Opeongo Rd., about one km north of the gate, in the Black Spruce bog area.

-Northern Saw-whet Owl: calling birds in the evening at: Km 19, Km 23, Km 27, Km 43, Km 47 and East Gate. Results from Owl Survey, using taped calls.

-Barred Owl: calling birds at Km 19, Km 21, Km 23, Km 25 (3 birds), Km 33, Km 35, Km 37, Km 51 and Km 53. Results from Owl Survey, using taped calls.

-Black-backed Woodpecker: female still being seen on utility poles near Km 21.8; another reported at Post #3 on Mizzy Lake Trail; and a female at Ringneck Pond, near Km 42.

-Gray Jay: being seen regularly at Sprucebog, Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road.

-Boreal Chickadee: most observers are finding this species. Reports from: Sprucebog trail (4); Opeongo Road at Black Spruce area north of gate (6+); Mizzy Lake trail.

-Red Crossbill: a few around. Reported on Opeongo Road (2), Visitor Centre lot (2), and pair at Km 0.8

-Hoary Redpoll: 1 or 2 reported on Opeongo Road during the weekend.

-Pine Grosbeak: only one sighting, of a single bird at the gate on Opeongo Road on March 15. Most have probably left now that milder weather has arrived.

-still good numbers of: White-winged Crossbill, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Evening Grosbeak.

-Bohemian Waxwing: flock of 8 at Visitor Centre on March 16.

-House Sparrow: the rarest bird of the period! One female at the Visitor Centre feeder on March 16.

Please report your sightings to me, should you get up for a visit. Thanks.

Finches continue to be numerous here, but Pine Grosbeaks are increasingly hard to find. They may be starting back north.

A female Black-backed Woodpecker was reported by Ron Reid at Km 21.8 on March 11. She was excavating a hole in a utility pole, on the south side of the highway, and might stay in the area for awhile. "Pre-nesting" excavation and drumming behaviour by both male and female Black-backed Woodpeckers is frequently observed from now until April. Then the serious stuff starts!

Good birding!

Finches continue to be abundant and easy to see along Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park. However, one party on the weekend was again unable to locate any Three-toed Woodpeckers in the areas previously described.

Boreal Chickadees were seen along the Black Spruce section of the Opeongo Road, north of the gate (8 birds), and along the Arowhon Road, about 100 yards past the parking area (2 birds), by Norm Murr and Stan Bajurney on Sunday. They also observed three Hoary Redpolls along Hwy. 60 near Hemlock Bluff Trail and Minnesing Ski Trail, and might have found more if they had kept searching through flocks of Common Redpolls.

No new information is available on Black-backed Woodpecker or Spruce Grouse.

Winter finches continue to be very numerous here, especially along Highway 60 during the morning after salt and sand have been applied to the road. Observers should have no trouble finding: Pine Grosbeak, Purple Finch, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak. There are lesser numbers of American Goldfinch and Red Crossbill. The latter are seen regularly in small numbers along the Highway, and especially on the Algonquin Visitor Centre (Km 43) drive and parking lot. Common Redpoll numbers appear to be increasing, and some Hoary Redpolls are now being found. There was one Hoary Redpoll on the Visitor Centre driveway (seen by Margaret Bain), and three more (among at total of 500 Commons) along the Sand Lake Road on the East Side of Algonquin (access from Pembroke) (seen by Mike Runtz), on Friday, February 26.

Spruce Grouse have been found on Sprucebog Trail, and the Opeongo Road (at and north of the gate) should be checked also. Boreal Chickadee has been regularly heard (and often seen) along the Opeongo Road (north of the gate), along Sprucebog Trail, and along the Arowhon Road near Sim's Pit and the upper end of the Mizzy Lake Trail (near Wolf Howl Pond). The latter area requires snowshoes. Gray Jays are easy to find near the gate on the Opeongo Road, and at the Visitor Centre.

Three-toed Woodpeckers have not been seen again since the earlier reported sightings, despite several people searching the Sim's Pit and Wolf Howl Pond areas. However, at least one Black-backed Woodpecker was found near Sim's Pit. There is a lot of suitable habitat in the area, so the Three-toeds are probably still around.

Northern Saw-whet Owls have started calling, at least during milder evenings. They have been heard recently near the East Gate, and outside the Park at Dwight (opposite Spring Lake Motel), and Oxtongue Lake.

Persons requiring more information on the locations of sites mentioned here should stop at the Park Gates and pick up a park brochure. All visitors require a park permit as well, which are available (24 hours a day) at the gates.

Please report your sightings to me: tozerro@epo.gov.on.ca

Contrary to my earlier post, I have now learned that Three-toed Woodpeckers have been discovered here in Algonquin Park this winter! Two sightings by Dan Strickland (while locating four Gray Jay nests under construction) are as follows:

-February 25: a female observed near the hydro line cut at the junction of the Arowhon Road and Sim's Pit.

-February 26: a male observed in a bog bordering Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail.

Both of these locations can be reached (with some effort!) by driving up the Arowhon Road (Km 15.4, from the West Gate, on Hwy. 60) to the end of the plowed section. Park there (not blocking others). Proceed on foot (there is a well-packed trail) along the Arowhon Road to the point where it reaches Sim's Pit (an old sand extraction pit utilized in the 1890s for railway construction). This is the February 25th location. Continue along the Arowhon Road (on foot) to where it intersects the old railway line. Turn right there, and proceed along the railway line toward Wolf Howl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail. Just before you reach Wolf Howl Pond, there is a boggy section on your left. That is the area of today's sighting. Obviously, the birds (or others) could be anywhere in the general areas described. In 1998, a female Three-toed showed up on February 23 in the Wolf Howl Pond area, and was present into mid-March.

Finally, snow/freezing rain (100% chance) is promised for here on Sunday, but Saturday sounds fine for birding! Snowshoes would be required off the packed trails, and you would almost certainly have to search off the trails to have a chance of seeing these birds.

Good luck!

Please let me know what you see, if you come up.

Spectacular numbers of "winter finches" continue to be present in Algonquin Park. If you have been considering a visit, now is the time! Large numbers of singing Purple Finches and White-winged Crossbills are widespread. The latter have been seen carrying nesting material. There are good numbers of Pine Grosbeaks (some singing), Pine Siskins, American Goldfinches, and Evening Grosbeaks along the road shoulder (Highway 60) every morning, and to a lesser extent through the day. Lesser numbers of Common Redpolls are also seen regularly. Red Crossbills are regular, especially in the morning, around the Visitor Centre parking lot (Km 43). The Visitor Centre road gate opens at 8 am on weekdays, but the centre itself is closed. The Visitor Centre is open on weekends (10 am to 5 pm), and the gate opens at about 9.30 am on those days. Birders are welcome to walk around to the cliff side of the building for better viewing of the feeders (for Gray Jays and Evening Grosbeaks, especially), or view the area from the deck when the building is open.

Gray Jays are regularly seen on the Opeongo Road, near the gate, and at the Visitor Centre. Spruce Grouse have been seen on Sprucebog Trail, the Opeongo Road (at the gate, and also north of the gate in the Black Spruce area), along Hwy. 60 within the first 5 km from the West Gate (getting grit from the shoulder in early morning) and near Wolfhowl Pond on the Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible by driving to the end of the plowed section of the Arowhon Road, and walking from there; don't block other parked cars there). Black-backed Woodpecker has been seen on the Opeongo Road, north of the gate as described above; they are also possible if you search any black spruce areas. There have been no reports of Three-toed Woodpecker this winter. Boreal Chickadees are becoming vocal now, including some giving the "musical call"; good areas to search are the upper end of the Opeongo Road (beyond the gate), and Sprucebog Trail.

We still have about 45 cm of snow, but many trails and unplowed roads are hard-packed and walkable. Snowshoes would be helpful off the trails.

As always, please report your findings to me at: tozerro@epo.gov.on.ca I wish you all "good birding" in Algonquin Park!

Dear Gord,

Through your site we received some correspondence prior to our Feb.07-11 trip to Algonquin Park. We felt that others may be interested in our sightings. On Mon.08th the sun shone beautifully and there were many 'side of the road feeding birds' but on the cloudy Tues. the search for them was more difficult. Wed. with some snow flurries they were back out on the road side again.

• Blue Jay 25+
• Red-breasted Nuthatch 10
• Am. Crow <10
• Raven 50+
• Pine Grosbeak 20+
• Evening Grosbeak 200+
• Downy Woodpecker 6
• Hairy Woodpecker 6
• Gray Jay 4 (Opeongo)
• White-winged Crossbill 1000+
• Ruffed Grouse 7
• Spruce Grouse 3 (1 Spruce Bog Trail, 2 shoulder of the road)
• Common Redpoll 4 (Opeongo Road) (possibly one hoary redpoll)
• Pinesiskin 1000+
• Purple Finch 500+
• American Goldfinch 50+
• Dark-eyed Junco 1 (Minnesing Feeder)
• Coopers Hawk 1 (Opeongo Road chasing his lunch)
• Black-capped Chicadee 25+
• Boreal Chicadee 1 (Spruce Bog Trail)

Thanks to all who helped us out. There were other birders there too and none of us could locate any black-backed woodpecker in the park or in Dwight near the location of the church. We all plan to try again at another time! An absolutely enjoyable trip!

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

On Saturday, January 30th, this observer, along with Dennis Duckworth and Ann Pinteric, visited Algonquin Park from the West gate to Opeongo Lake. Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker and Red crossbill, however, were NOT seen.

Species included:

• Pine siskin (in the hundreds)
• White-winged crossbill (plentiful, in song)
• Evening Grosbeak (several)
• Pine Grosbeak (2)
• Purple Finch (2)
• Gray Jay (several)
• Common Raven (several)
• Redpolls were heard, but not seen

Gord-

Can you tell us what birds are presently being seen in the Algonquin park area ?

We heard there were black- backed woodpeckers, red and white winged crossbills at the feeders at the interpretive centre. Do you know if this is true? I've searched all over the web sites, could find no information.

Hope you can help us out.Planning on going next week if any birds around. We live near Point Pelee so it is a little bit of a hike if not much around. Woodpecker would be a lifer for us.

Thank you in advance

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

On Sunday, Jan. 24th, Tony Bigg, Doug Sadler, Terrie Smith and I birded Algonquin from the west gate to the Opeongo Road. As with other observers, finches were abundant ...

highlights included:

Pine Grosbeak (1), WW Crossbill (hundreds - many doing courtship flights), Red Crossbill (12 - including one "Parrot-billed" seen by Terrie and I), Purple Finch (2), Pine Siskins (hundreds), Common Redpoll (75), Hoary Redpoll (1 Hornemanni - oops, forgot how to spell this!!! - race), Gray Jay (8), Spruce Grouse (2 - MF) at Spruce Bog and Evening Grosbeak (45).

Hi Gord

Birding has been great all the normal winter species sighted over the past two days, however, on the Dwight Beach Road behind the Dwight Church and in front of house #1230, I have had some excellent views of two male black back woodpeckers, working the white pines in this area. (photographs available).

Other sightings include

• white winged crossbills
• evening gros beaks
• pine gros beaks
• chick a dees (black capped)
• both nuthatches
• hairy
• downy
• pileated
• ruffed grouse

another interesting sighting reported to me, but NOT confirmed has been a very large raptor near Lumina Resort. I will when I have a chance drive over and see if I can find. Rumours are Bald Eagle!!!!

Anyways Take care and talk to you soon

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

Participants of the birding trip to Algonquin; Albert Boisvert, Maureen Riggs, Sid Hadlington, Dorothy Hadlington, Don Craighead.

The winter birds were numerous in most locations and well beyond the effort to count some species. White-winged Crossbills appeared every place and along the highway.

The area covered in Algonquin Park was from the East Gate to the Mew Lake Road with the following observations:

• Spruce Grouse (1) at the Spruce Bog Trail
• Ruffed Grouse (3) along the Opeongo Road
• Rock Dove (1) at the East Gate parking lot
• Downy Woodpecker (6) Visitors Centre, Spruce Bog, Mew Late Road
• Hairy Woodpecker (1) along Hwy 60
• Black-backed Woodpecker (1) at Spruce Bog parking lot
• Gray Jay (5) along Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog
• Blue Jays
• American Crows
• Common Ravens
• Black-capped Chickadees
• Red-breasted Nuthatch (2) along Mew Lake Road
• Golden-crowned Kinglet (1) at Spruce Bog
• Pine Grosbeak (8) at Spruce Bog, Hwy 60, Mew Lake Road
• Purple Finches
• Red Crossbill (3) at Spruce Bog
• White-winged Crossbills every place
• Common Redpoll (12) along Hwy 60
• Pine Siskins
• American Goldfinches
• Evening Grossbeaks

In addition, we saw most of the above species around the Whitney town area and OLD 127 road plus the following:

• Pileated Woodpecker (1) at Whitney by the river
• European Starling (6)
• Common Grackle (1)

Algonquin Provincial Park January 16 1999

White-winged Crossbills were observed everywhere I stopped. They could be easily seen and always heard today, even with the snow, sleet, and wind. One female was observed carrying nesting material eastwards from Arowhon Pines road. (approx 1km north of the Mizzy Lake trail parking lot.)

Species of interest seen:

2 Black-backed Woodpeckers      Visitor centre, Spruce Bog Trail

4 Gray Jays                     Visitor centre, Minnesing Ski Trail parking lot

37 Evening Grosbeaks            Visitor centre

9 Pine Grosbeaks                Spruce Bog trail parking lot.

4 Red Crossbills                East Gate, Cache lake

151+ White-winged Crossbills    Everywhere

15 Purple Finches               East Gate, Track & Tower Trail

16 Pine Siskins                 Arowhon Road, Spruce Bog Trail, East Gate

3 Common Redpolls               Minnesing Ski Trail parking lot

Also seen were ravens,chickadees, nuthatches, goldfinches, blue jays, tree sparrow,etc.

Hi Gord

Jan. 8, 1999

Boreal Owl found dead at 105 Muskoka Rd. South

Northern Shrike observed Jan. 7 Maple Hurst Drive in field

Sighting reports originating from the ONTBIRDS mail server network are repeated courtesy of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO).

The 25th annual Algonquin Park CBC was held on Saturday, January 2, 1999.
Fifty-four observers tallied 31 species (average: 27 species)and 10,728 individuals, despite temperatures ranging from a low of minus 34 C (minus 30 F) to a high (?) of minus 18 C (0 F)! Mercifully, snowshoes were not required (but they would be now!). Thanks to everybody who came to help us, at great risk to body and car! I hope you all got home in one piece.

Interesting sightings included:

• Sharp-shinned Hawk: (female at Visitor Centre feeder on Dec. 30; count week species, never recorded previously on count)
• Spruce Grouse: 4 (Summer HQ road area)
• Ruffed Grouse: 72
• Rock Dove: 5 (new count species; eating at Clarke Lake feeder and roosting in MTO sandpile building, across the highway)
• Black-backed Woodpecker: 16
• American Crow: 2 (Mew Lake Campground)
• American Tree Sparrow: 192 (record high; previous high of 47)
• Pine Grosbeak: 108
• Purple Finch: 1189 (record high; previous high of 352)
• Red Crossbill: 170
• White-winged Crossbill: 4150 (with males in full song and courting)
• Common Redpoll: 174 (numbers just starting to build; expect more in January)
• Hoary Redpoll: 1 (seen by Dawn and Peter Burke; only second time for count)
• Pine Siskin: 624
• American Goldfinch: 784
• Evening Grosbeak: 219

With the addition of Rock Dove to the Algonquin count, we have lost some of our purity! To my knowledge, there is no other Ontario count that has never recorded any of House Sparrow, European Starling or Rock Dove. But now we too have fallen.

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