Tuesday, September 29, 2009

FALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP @ ALGONQUIN INN

This weekend we just had a photography Fall workshop conducted by Ethan Meleg here at the Algonquin Inn , the perfect location at the edge of Algonquin Park. The workshop host Outdoor Photography Canada magazine
The Fall colours could not have been better ..............





group photo at the Algonquin Inn


Ethan took this great shot of a Bull Moose along Opeongo rd using an EOS 1Ds mark III; 500/4 IS lens; Exposure: ISO 400; 1/40 second at f/4


here is another shot taken by Ethan along the same stretch of rd EOS 5D mark II; 17-40/4 lens; Singh-Ray LB warming polarizer & 2 stop hard edge ND grad (4x6" size, handheld in front of lens). Exposure: ISO 200; 0.8 seconds at F/20. Mirror lock-up & cable release.

www.algonquininn.com

e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Monday, September 28, 2009

fall colour report for algonquin park

Report Date: Monday September 28, 2009
Dominant Colour: As the graphic above illustrates, Algonquin Park is at its fall foliage colour peak. Reds, oranges, and yellows are dominating the landscape making for impressive viewing. Reds are especially noticeable this year throughout the Park.

In many observers' opinions, Algonquin Park's upcoming overcast and rainy weather enhances fall foliage viewing when compared to sunny days. Thus, a rainy day trip to Algonquin Park can have substantial rewards. Check the weather forecast for more details.

The peak of fall colour in Algonquin Park is relatively short-lived lasting approximately 7-10 days under ideal conditions. Despite recent rain and associated high wind, leaf fall continues to remains low.

Substantial rainfall amounts during summer and temperatures dropping to near freezing in late August/early September have resulted in brilliant colours. In combination with other factors, such as shortening daylight length, trees have been rapidly breaking down chlorophyll (the green food manufacturing pigment in leaves) revealing Algonquin's outstanding fall colour.

For the past 35 years, the average peak of Sugar and Red Maples in Algonquin Park has been September 27 (with a range from September 15 [1982] to October 9 [1996]. This variation in the peak is a result of numerous environmental conditions such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus the exact timing of peak colour can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor and the western half of the backcountry change colour earlier than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation. This year, wide-spread frost has encouraged fall foliage change throughout the Highway 60 area including: West Gate (km 0.0); Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8); and Brewer Lake (km 48.6).

Plan now for your Algonquin Park fall foliage trip any time from now to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foliage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 80%-89%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 10%-19%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)
WWW.ALGONQUININN.COM
E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

Saturday, September 26, 2009

fall colour report for algonquin park

Report Date: Saturday September 26, 2009
Dominant Colour: Algonquin Park is nearing its fall foliage peak. The peak of fall colour is expected in the next 7 to 10 days. Reds and oranges are beginning to dominate the landscape, with plenty of green, yellow and purple showing to make for impressive viewing. Despite recent thunderstorms (and associated wind) leaf fall continues to remains low.

Substantial rainfall amounts during summer and temperatures dropping to near freezing in late August/early September have resulted in brilliant colours. In combination with other factors, such as shortening daylight length, trees have been rapidly breaking down chlorophyll (the green food manufacturing pigment in leaves) revealing Algonquin's outstanding fall colour.

The peak of fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy is expected during the last week of September or the first week of October. For the past 35 years, the average peak of Sugar and Red Maples in Algonquin Park has been September 27 (with a range from September 15 [1982] to October 9 [1996]. This variation in the peak is a result of numerous environmental conditions such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus the exact timing of peak colour can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor and the western half of the backcountry change colour earlier than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation. This year, wide-spread frost has encouraged fall foliage change throughout the Highway 60 area including: West Gate (km 0.0); Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8); and Brewer Lake (km 48.6).

Plan now for your Algonquin Park fall foliage trip any time from now to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foliage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 60%-69%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 10%-19%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

ALGONQUIN PARK FALL COLOUR REPORT

ALMOST AT PEAK !!!!

Report Date: Tuesday September 22, 2009
Dominant Colour: A substantial portion of the Sugar Maple canopy is showing quickly developing yellows, oranges, and reds. Recent below freezing temperatures, frost, and shortening daylight length has been rapidly encouraging the breakdown of chlorophyll (the green food manufacturing pigment in leaves) revealing Algonquin's spectacular fall colour.

The peak of fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy is expected during the last week of September or the first week of October. For the past 35 years, the average peak of Sugar and Red Maples in Algonquin Park has been September 27 (with a range from September 15 [1982] to October 9 [1996]. This variation in this peak is a result of numerous variables such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus exact timing can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor out to Algonquin Inn and the western half of the backcountry change colour eariler than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation. This year, wide-spread frost has encouraged fall foliage change throughout the Highway 60 area including: West Gate (km 0.0); Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8); and Brewer Lake (km 48.6).

Therefore, plan now for your Algonquin Park fall foliage trip any time from now to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foligage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 40-49%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 0%-9%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)

http://www.algonquininn.com/
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Sunday, September 20, 2009

WINTER FINCH FORCAST FOR THIS WINTER

WINTER FINCH FORECAST 2009-2010
General Forecast: The theme this winter is there will be no major finch irruptions outside their normal ranges. Finch numbers will be low and thinly distributed or absent in southern and northeastern Ontario and Quebec, where seed crops are poor. Higher numbers of finches should be attracted to much better cone crops in northwestern Ontario and west into northern Saskatchewan, the Maritime Provinces and Newfoundland, and northern New England States.

Key Finch Trees: The key tree species in Ontario's boreal forest triggering finch movements and distribution are white and black spruces, white birch,and mountain-ashes. South of the boreal forest in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forest region, white pine and hemlock are additional key finch trees. Other trees play a lesser role in finch movements, but often buffer main seed sources. These include tamarack, balsam fir, red pine, white cedar, alders, and yellow birch.

Tree Seed Crops: Spruce cone crops are poor in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and in northeastern Ontario and Quebec. However, spruce crops are good to excellent in the boreal forest north of Lake Superior and west into Saskatchewan. Spruce cone abundance is lower in Alberta and eastern Rocky Mountains, Yukon and Alaska, but is excellent in some high spruce zones of central British Columbia. East of Quebec, spruce crops are good to excellent in much of Eastern Canada including the island of Newfoundland. Heavy spruce crops are also reported in the northern New England States. The white pine cone crop is poor in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and fair to good elsewhere in the province, but spotty. White pine crops are heavy in New Hampshire. The hemlock crop is almost zero in the province. The white birch crop is poor in central and northeastern Ontario and Quebec, but
improves westward in Ontario, becoming very good in Saskatchewan. Birch seed supplies are lower in Alberta and Alaska. The mountain-ash (rowan berry) crop is excellent across most of the boreal forest in Canada, including the island of Newfoundland where it is called dogberry.

INDIVIDUAL FINCH FORECASTS
Individual finch forecasts below apply mainly to Ontario, but neighboring provinces and states may find the forecast applies to them. An irruptive raptor and three irruptive passerines are also discussed.

Pine Grosbeak: Expect very little or no southward movement into southern Ontario because mountain-ash berry crops are excellent in most of the boreal forest. A few should get south to Algonquin Park as in most winters.

Purple Finch: Most Purple Finches should migrate south out of the province this fall because many seed crops are poor in the north. This finch has declined significantly in recent decades.

Red Crossbill: This crossbill comprises at least 10 "call types" in North America. Each type has its cone preferences related to bill size and shape. The types are exceedingly difficult to identify in the field. Types 2 and 3 and probably 4 occur regularly in Ontario. Most Red Crossbills prefer pines, but the smallest-billed Hemlock Type 3 (= subspecies sitkensis of AOU Check-list 1957) prefers the small soft cones of hemlock and white spruce when bumper in Ontario. However, it should be absent from traditional areas such as Algonquin Park where hemlock and white spruce occur together because these crops are poor there. White pine Type 2 is the most frequently encountered Red Crossbill in the province. Since white pine crops are low in most of the province, it should be rare to absent this winter. Other Red Crossbill types are possible in the province.

White-winged Crossbill: This crossbill has no subspecies or types in North America. In Ontario, it prefers the small soft cones of white, black and red spruces and hemlock. Many White-winged Crossbills left the province this past summer after last winter's irruption. Some went into northern Ontario attracted to the good spruce cone crops and were singing and presumably nested. These birds may remain in the north this winter and could breed again in mid winter if seed supplies last. White-winged Crossbills will be rare or absent this winter in traditional areas such as Algonquin Park because spruce and hemlock cone crops are low. White-winged Crossbills
should appear this winter in Newfoundland and the Maritime Provinces and the
northern New England States, where spruce cone crops are good to heavy.

Common and Hoary Redpolls: Redpolls are a birch seed specialist in winter. Since the birch crop is poor in northeastern Ontario and Quebec, a few Common Redpolls should move south into southern Ontario and farther east and south. However, most redpolls may be drawn to good birch crops in northwestern Ontario and westward in the boreal forest into Saskatchewan.

Pine Siskin: Siskins are a conifer seed specialist when they winter in northern Ontario. Hemlock seed is another favorite in central Ontario. Most siskins departed the province early this past summer and appear to have gone mainly to western Canada. Banding recoveries show that siskins wander both ways between eastern and western North America. Siskins are currently very scarce in the Northeast. If siskins find good conifer crops in the Northwest, such as the interior of British Columbia, they will stay to winter and breed. It is uncertain whether many will return east this fall to winter in northwestern Ontario, the Maritime Provinces and northern New England States, where cone crops are good to excellent.

Evening Grosbeak: Breeding populations are much lower now than 35 years ago due mainly to a decrease of large outbreaks of spruce budworm beginning in the 1980s. A very few grosbeaks may move south from northeastern Ontario and Quebec where coniferous and deciduous seed supplies are generally poor. If any come, there are large crops of Manitoba maple seeds and plenty of sunflower seeds at feeders waiting for them.

FOUR MORE IRRUPTIVE SPECIES
Northern Goshawk: A good flight is very possible this fall or next. Goshawks in the boreal forest in winter prey on hares, grouse and red squirrels. Snowshoe Hares have been abundant in parts of northern Ontario the past few years and they should crash soon. Also, Ruffed Grouse likely had a poor breeding season due to a cool, wet spring and summer, which lowered chick survival.

Blue Jay: The flight began in the second week of September. This year's flight is much larger than in 2008 along the north shorelines of Lakes Ontario and Erie because most acorn, beechnut and hazelnut crops were poor this summer in Ontario with some local exceptions. Many fewer jays will winter in Ontario because most could not find enough food to store.

Red-breasted Nuthatch: Movements of this nuthatch in Ontario are linked to cone crop abundance, particularly white spruce, white pine and balsam fir when bumper. There has not been a noticeable southward movement along Lakes Ontario and Erie, indicating this is not an irruption year for it and associated winter finches such as White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins. However, Red-breasted Nuthatches will be scarce this winter in central Ontario such as Algonquin Park and in northeastern Ontario and Quebec because cone crops there are generally poor in these areas. Many nuthatches likely dispersed to better cone crops north and west of Lake Superior and
east to the Maritime Provinces.

Bohemian Waxwing: Like the Pine Grosbeak, this waxwing is a mountain-ash berry specialist in winter. Mountain-ash crops are high around Lake Superior and in many areas of northern Ontario. Crops are also good in Quebec, Newfoundland and northern New England States so this nomad may show up in these areas this winter. Its breeding and winter ranges in eastern North America have expanded in recent times. Range maps in field guides show Bohemians breeding east to James Bay, but recently they have been found in summer scattered across northern Quebec and Labrador. Historically they were very rare in winter on the island of Newfoundland, but are now abundant there some winters. Their winter range movements have also expanded to other eastern areas because of planted European mountain-ashes and ornamental
crabapples.

WHERE TO SEE FINCHES: A winter trip to Algonquin Park is always a birding adventure. The park is a three hour drive north of Toronto. Finch numbers will be low in Algonquin this winter, but the feeders at the Visitor Centre should attract a few Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Grosbeaks and redpolls. Gray Jays frequent the suet feeder and sometimes a Pine Marten or Fisher feeds on the suet. An observation deck overlooks a spectacular boreal wetland and black spruce/tamarack forest. Eastern Canadian Wolves (Canis lycaon), which until recently was a subspecies of the Gray Wolf, are seen occasionally from the observation deck feeding on road-killed Moose put out by park staff. The Visitor Centre and restaurant at km 43 are open on weekends in winter. Arrangements can be made to view feeders on weekdays. For information, call the Visitor Centre at 613-637-2828. The Spruce Bog Trail at km 42.5 near the Visitor Centre and the gated area north on the Opeongo Road are the best
spots for finches, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse and Black-backed Woodpecker.

FINCHES AND TREES: A good knowledge of trees is essential to understanding winter finch habitats, food preferences and distributions. By coincidence, the finch forecast comes out the same week as the new "The Sibley Guide to Trees". In a recent interview with Birder's World, David Sibley said "I wanted it to be a tree guide for birdwatchers".

Previous finch forecasts archived at OFO website.
http://www.ofo.ca/reportsandarticles/pastwinterfinches.php
Previous finch forecasts archived at Larry Neily's website.
http://ca.geocities.com/larry.neily@rogers.com/pittaway-old.htm

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: I thank staff of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources from across the province designated by an asterisk* and many others whose reports allow me to make annual forecasts: Ken Abraham* (Hudson Bay Lowlands), Dennis Barry (Durham Region), Eleanor Beagan (Prince Edward Island), Syd Cannings (Yukon), Ken Corston* (Moosonee), Pascal Cote (Tadoussac, Quebec), Shirley Davidson (Minden/Dorset), Bruce Di Labio (Ottawa), Carrolle Eady (Dryden), Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Nick Escott (Thunder Bay), Brian Fox* (Timmins), Marcel Gahbauer (Alberta), Stacy Gan* (James Bay), David Govatski (New Hampshire), Skye Haas (Michigan), Charity
Hendry* (Ontario Tree Seed Plant), Leo Heyens* (Kenora), Tyler Hoar, George Holborn* (Thunder Bay), David Hussell*, Peter Hynard (Haliburton and Maine), Jean Iron (Northeastern Ontario/James Bay), Bruce Mactavish (Newfoundland), Erwin Meissner (Massey), Brian Naylor* (North Bay), Stephen O'Donnell (Parry Sound District), Mark O'Donoghue (Yukon), Fred Pinto* (North Bay), Rick Salmon* (Lake Nipigon), Harvey and Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, Saskatchewan), Chris Sharp (Trent University), Don Sutherland* (Northern Ontario), Eve Ticknor (Ottawa), Ron Tozer (Algonquin Park), Declan Troy (Alaska), Mike Turner* (Minden), Mike Walsh* (Muskoka), John Woodcock (Thunder Cape Bird Observatory), Matt Young has been very helpful with seed crop information from New York State, and Kirk Zufelt (Sault Ste Marie ON). Jean Iron
provided many helpful suggestions and proofed the forecast.

Ron Pittaway
Ontario Field Ornithologists
Minden ON
19 September 2009

E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

Thursday, September 17, 2009

FIRST EARLY MORNING FROST

It's that wonderful time of the year , when the trees are well on the way with the fall colour and there is now the classic early morning mist ,
caused by cool air moving over relatively warm lake water. With the clear, cool weather we have been enjoying lately, early mornings are now a photographer's and paddler's dream come true.
Today we woke up to our fist frosty morning , time to get out dust off the camera and get some classic early morning Misty shots...the best fall colours so far have been along the highway 60 corridor from here at the Algonquin inn on Oxtongue lake through the West gate of Algonquin Park to Smoke Lake.
It's great to see all the first emerging reds, oranges and yellow burst out against the backdrop of rich summer green.

www.algonquininn.com
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

fall colour report for algonquin park

Report Date: Wednesday September 16, 2009
Dominant Colour: A small portion of the Sugar Maple canopy has already started to show fall colour change. Temperatures as low as 1°C have been recorded in Algonquin Park already encouraging the progress of fall colour change.

The peak of fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy is expected during the last week of September or the first week of October. This peak is subject to numerous variables such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus exact timing can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor and the western half of the backcountry change colour eariler than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation.

Therefore, plan now for your Park visit starting mid-September to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foligage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 20-29%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 0%-9%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)

www.algonquininn.com
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Sunday, September 13, 2009

FALL COLOUR REPORT FOR ALGONQUIN PARK

The following information was updated on September 8th, 2009

Report Date: September 8, 2009
Dominant Colour: a small portion of the Sugar Maple canopy has already started to show fall colour change. Temperatures as low as 1°C have been recorded in Algonquin Park already encouraging the progress of fall colour change.

The peak of fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy is expected during the last week of September or the first week of October. This peak is subject to numerous variables such as temperature, frost, precipitation, winds, etc., thus exact timing can not be precisely determined until it happens.

Traditionally, higher elevation areas of Algonquin Park, such as the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor and the western half of the backcountry change colour eariler than the eastern half, as a result of the east's lower elevation.

Therefore, plan now for your Park visit starting mid-September to mid-October to see Algonquin's brightest season.

This fall foligage colour report will be updated as the season progresses. Check back for updates.

Percentage of Colour Change: 0-10%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 0%
Good places for viewing: West Gate (km 0.0)
Algonquin Art Centre (km 20.0)
Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (km 33.8)
Visitor Centre Viewing Deck (km 43.0)
Brewer Lake (km 48.6)
Algonquin's Backcountry (Interior)

Side Roads with Great Foliage Viewing Opportunities: Arowhon Road (north from km 15.4)
Source Lake Road (north from km 20.0)
Centennial Ridges Road (south from km 37.6)
Rock Lake Road (south from km 40.3)
Opeongo Road (north from km 46.3). This road is best for late season foliage viewing.
Recommended Trails: Hardwood Lookout Trail (Km 13.8)
Track and Tower Trail (Km 25.0)
Centennial Ridges Trail (south from Km 37.6)
Booth's Rock Trail (south from Km 40.3)
Lookout Trail (Km 39.7)

WWW.ALGONQUININN.COM
E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Algonquin Park’s Spectacular Dark Sky

Astronomy Workshop in Algonquin Park.
Algonquin Park’s Spectacular Dark Sky
September 26, 2009
4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by observing

Algonquin Park, with its clear, dark sky, provides the ideal location for observing the Moon, planets, and stars. Join Francois van Heerden as he introduces you to the basics of observing, recognizing the constellations, and using star hopping to find the hidden treasures of the night sky. He will demonstrate the correct way to set up a telescope and provide you with information on how to get the very best out of binoculars and telescopes. Finally, the group will enjoy looking at the available objects through his 11" and 6" Celestron telescopes. View the surface of the Moon, Jupiter and other planets, and then amazing deep sky objects, from star clusters to distant galaxies.

Workshop instruction will include:
• Settng up a telescope, properly aligning and maintaining it
‐ do's and don'ts of buying a telescope
‐ starting with observing ‐ binoculars and telescopes
‐ viewing the Moon and planets
• An overview of the constellations and how to navigate using them
• Using a star chart and planesphere
• Understanding how to find objects with a telescope
Instruction will be followed by an exclusive viewing session, and every
participant will take home a planesphere and software DVD loaded
with a personal planetarium, tips and hints sheets, observing logs,
and more! Space is limited. Register early to secure your spot.
ABOUT FRANCOIS VAN HEERDEN
Francois van Heerden (‘Van’) has been a life member of the
Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre since the mid‐1970's. He is an avid amateur observer who believes in sharing his hobby and providing entertaining presentations
interspersed with anecdotes from his own experiences.
HOW TO REGISTER
Pre‐registration required. To register for this workshop, or for more information, contact Sophie
Mazowita at the Algonquin Park Visitor Centre, (613) 637‐2828 ext. 227. When you call to register, please be ready to give a contact phone number, an e‐mail address, and a Visa or MasterCard number.
The cost for this workshop is $20.00 (including applicable taxes) for members of The Friends of
Algonquin Park. Non‐members pay $32.00 for the workshop and a one‐year individual membership.
The workshop includes a star chart (planesphere), a DVD loaded with stargazing software to get you started at home, instruction by Francois van Heerden, and an exclusive observation session with use of his telescopes and binoculars. All ages welcome.
www.algonquininn.com
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

SEE THE INT'L SPACE STATION AND SHUTTLE

This a great time of the year for stargazing, even better with the dark skies of Muskoka and Algonquin Park. at this time of year we see many groups having their star gazing parties in Algonquin Park, and as a bonus the International Space Station and Space Shuttle will be coming into view in our area next week.
The I.S.S can often be seen shortly before dawn or just after sunset.With its large metallic body and solar panels reflecting sunlight, the I.S.S. is easily seen with the naked eye as it completes its nearly 90- minute orbit at an altitude of 350 kms.
for the next few days,with the Shuttle docked to the I.S.S. it is even an easier to spot.
Observers should look for a fast moving "star" travelling from West to East .
The best times for viewing the pair over the next few days are:
Sept 7th at 8.52pm rising low in the Southwest and visible for 3.5 mins.
Sept 8th at 9.16pm same spot for 3mins
Sept 9th at 8.06 pm same location for 4mins
Sept 9th at 9.41 (second pass) rising low in the West visible for 2.5mins.
Sept 10th at 8.31 pm rasing low in the West for 5mins.
Spet 10th at 10.07 (second pass) rising low in the Northwest for 1.5mins.
have a great time....
http://www.algonquininn.com/
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF ALGONQUIN PARK

With fall fast approaching,and with it comes the fantastic opportunities to capture the breathtaking fall colours,along with Moose in their prime, it is also a time for those classic sunrise and sunsets across the lakes of Algonquin Park,with pink skies and and early morning mist.

Local professional photographer Debbie Bradley,will be holding two one day photography Workshops,you can join Debbie in Algonquin Park Thursday October 1st and again on Saturday October 17th, for a workshop on Capturing the Essence of Algonquin Park.

The cost is $50 if you are a member of the Friends of Algonquin Park and if not then $ 62 and then this will get you a one year membership to the Friends of Algonquin Park...good deal...
in addition to Debbie a Park Naturalist will be at the workshop,there will also be a workshop booklet and registration package care of Cavalcade color labs.

you need to call Sophie who's handling the registration tel 613-637-2828 ext 277

LAST WOLF HOWL

The last wolf howl for this year will be this thursday Sept 3rd, 8pm at the the outdoor theatre in Algonquin Park.

http://www.algonquininn.com/
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com