Algonquin Inn Nature and Photography blog.

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pine martin and boreal chickadees

2011-02-13T19:50:00.007-05:00

Had the opportunity to spend this weekend in the Algonquin Park as the Boreal Chickadees continue to feed at the suet feeder on the Spruce Bog Trail, and I wanted to see if I could improve on the photos from my last visit, also hoping to catch a moose out in the open in the snow. On the way in I was able to meet up with Ethan Meleg for the day. Ethan was also after the Boreal Chickadee. As an avid bird photographer he had yet to obtain a quality picture of the bird in twenty years of trying. Well, that all changed as of today.
Once we got to the Spruce Bog and set up, in a fairly short period of time we were visited by a lot of bird activity with four Boreal Chickadees, Red and White-breasted Nut Hatches, as well as Blue Jays and Chickadees. To top it all off we were visited by a pine Martin that has taken up residence close to the bird feeder taking advantage of the free bird suet and bird seed.

Boreal Chickadee

pine martin

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

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Boreal Chickadee

2011-01-27T12:14:00.003-05:00

It has been way to long time since my last post on this blog....but things have been very quiet for birding this Winter in Algonquin Park, in fact from what i hear all over southern Ontario.

However for landscape photogrhhpy its a Winter wonderland with picture postcard images everywhere,

One of my Nemesis Birds has been the Boreal Chickadee, being small and dark, with a tendancy to hang back in the shadows of trees i have never been able to get a good clean shot. This Winter the Park staff have placed a suet feeder on the Spruce bog trail which is opposite the park visitors center (handy for warm drinks and food on weekends) located only hundred feet into the trail from the parking lot just before the sign book post on the left high in a tree.

The suet feeder this year has attracted a single Boreal Chickadee along with some Blue Jays and Black capped Chickadees, i have to wait about two hours to finally get the shot that i wanted . happy at last.....

The feeders at Algonquin Inn have been very disappointing this winter so far, but everyday we have a about a dozen wild Turkeys that make the rounds, hopefully we will see the return of the Evening Grosbeaks again soon.

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GUEST PHOTO AT THE ALGONQUIN INN

2010-10-28T11:55:00.009-04:00

This last week Rick Dobson stayed with use for a couple of days at the Algonquin Inn , he stayed with us as his base as he was here for wildlife photography in Algonquin Park.

Whilst here Rick took advantage of our bird feeders on the grounds and of our blind that we have set up for guests and visitors to use.

Rick has generously sent me some of his pictures that he had taken at the Inn feeders,

many thanks Rick for sharing

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BLACK BEAR PAYS A VISIT

2010-10-21T15:57:00.005-04:00

Just had to post this one,yesterday i had to run into town Huntsville doing some local chores,
when as i past the local Tim Hortons coffee shop i could see three large black blobs high in the trees behind the store,as i pulled in to get a better view , there was a large female and two cubs high up in the tree taking a nap....after spending the night in the dumpsters eating their fill of old donuts...

one of the two cubs

mum taking a midday nap............

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Algonquin Park bird report

2010-10-18T07:47:00.005-04:00

Three new Birding reports out today for Algonquin Park today, also of note i did spot yesterday a Red Tailed Hawk and a Snow Bunting first one this year just along from the West Gate.

Snow Bunting

A single Bohemian Waxwing was seen at the top of a tree at the West Gate on
Saturday (October 16) by Brete Griffin and his group. Two Bohemian Waxwings
were observed by Doug and Ron Tozer on Sunday (October 17) between posts 14
and 15 on the Mew Lake extension of the Track and Tower Trail. These two
waxwings were feeding on winterberry holly (Ilex) berries, along with
several robins. Some of these berries are present along the Two Rivers
Campground (now closed) side of the Airfield Marsh and could be a good place
to look for other Bohemian Waxwings.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

My wife and I spent the day in Algonquin Park, birding at the old airfield and along Mizzy Lake Trail. Activity at the airfield was low, but we did see a single male EVENING GROSBEAK near the parking area. Mizzy Lake Trail had a little more to offer, with about five GRAY JAYS near the gate off of Arowhon Road. Just south of West Rose Lake we had excellent views of a male BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, and on the return leg near Wolf Hollow Pond was a nearly tame male PURPLE FINCH which almost ate from our hands, and did actually land on my jacket for a few seconds. As we left, at the gate were two BOREAL CHICKADEES within a group of several BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES. A single full-grown bull MOOSE also crossed the Mizzy Lake Trail, sporting a large rack of antlers.
pat.

Yesterday, October 17th, spent the day birding various sites along Hwy. 60 in Algonquin Park. Overall, somewhat quiet, but a few interesting birds. At Wolf Howl Pond area along Mizzy Lake Trail we had 2 Bohemian Waxwing fly over calling and 1 female Black-backed Woodpecker near West Rose Lake. Finches were scarce, we had 3 Evening Grosbeak and 7 Purple Finch at the Visitor Centre along with distant views of 2 Moose. At the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, 1 Boreal Chickadee was heard calling. Gray Jays were easy to find at Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot, Opeongo Lake Road and Wolf Howl Pond.
Good Birding, Bruce
Di Labio Birding Website
Courses and Field Trips
http://www.dilabiobirding.ca
http://www.brucedilabio.blogspot.com

OTTERS AT ALGONQUIN INN

2010-10-15T18:00:00.004-04:00

We just had an e-mail from James and Lea who stayed with us over the Thanksgiving weekend,
they sent us the following e-mail with photo's.

Hi Gary.

Lea and I had a great Thanksgiving weekend at Algonquin Inn. Perfect weather the whole time. On Monday morning I was down by the dock photographing the morning fog. A group of otters swam towards me then climbed up onto the floating dock to get a look at me. They put on a good show. I managed some photos - I thought I'd share them with you.

A great end to the long weekend.
Tried out your blind, too, on Saturday. Great setup! Got some good blue jay shots.
Hopefully we'll be up again next Thanksgiving.
All the best
James

thank you James..............great photo thanks for sharing....these guys make you smile

every time :-)))))))

The docks are just in front of our waterfront rooms,

A re post from ethan meleg

2010-10-13T18:21:00.008-04:00

copy below is a repost from the blog of Ethan Meleg. on his recent visit to Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Inn.

Photo 1 (above): Algonquin Park fall colors detail. Canon EOS 5D mark II, Sigma 300/2.8 lens & drop-in polarizer, ISO 200, 1/80s @ f/8; mirror lock-up and cable release.

Sorry for the delay in posting, I've been on the road visiting family for Canadian Thanksgiving and had some internet issues... the server would not let me upload photos to blogger. All better now that I am back home and I can share more photos from my recent shoot in Algonquin Park.

Sigma Canada (distributed by Gentec International) has recently added me as one of their pro shooters and hooked me up with some great lenses. Check out their brand new website http://www.sigmacanada.ca/ and be sure to click on the Pro Gallery to see me along with fellow Canadian photographers Darwin Wiggett and Crombie McNeil.

So far, I've got two Sigma lenses in my bag: the 12-24mm wide-angle zoom and the 300mm f/2.8 telephoto. Actually, let me clarify that.... I accidentally dropped the 12-24mm into Oxtongue River Rapids during my recent fall colors shoot. It completedly submerged for a few minutes before I perilously fished it out and sent it back to see if it can be salvaged... cross your fingers for me! In case you're counting (I am), that's two lenses I've dropped this summer/fall..... damn!

A 300/2.8 lens has been on my must-get list for some time, so this is a welcome addition to my system (in good time for my upcoming Africa trip). The Sigma 300/2.8 is razor sharp and has very fast autofocus. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it comes standard with a drop-in polarizer (and the design is better than Canon's drop in filter system). I'll be calling Singh-Ray soon to see if they have an LB warming polarizer that will fit!

And now to some photos.....

Photo 2 (above): Algonquin Park fall colors forest edge. Canon EOS 5D mark II, Sigma 300/2.8 lens & drop-in polarizer, ISO 200, 1/15s @ f/11; mirror lock-up and cable release. I like compressed landscapes with telephoto lenses. This is a classic situation to use a polarizer... to help improve contrast and saturation in the misty conditions.

Photo 3: Algonquin Park fall colors. Canon EOS 5D mark II, Sigma 300/2.8 lens & drop-in polarizer, ISO 400, 1/640s @ f/7.1; mirror lock-up and cable release. Even in very dull, overcast light I was pleased with the rich contrast of this lens.

While I was in the Algonquin area, I dropped in to visit my friend Gary Schultz, owner of the Algonquin Lakeside Inn (just west of the park). The feeders at the Inn were busy with activity so Gary and I caught up while shooting. I highly recommend a trip to stay at the Inn and enjoy the great shooting at the blind/feeders!

Photo 4 (above): The photo blind at Algonquin Lakeside Inn, with ower Gary Schultz on the right.

Photo 5 (above): Rusty Blackbird. Canon EOS 1Ds mark III, EF 500mm f/4 lens & 1.4x teleconvertor. ISO 640, 1/125s @ f/5.6. Rusty Blackbird is an elusive and rarely photographed species... this was only my second time photographing them.

Photo 6 (above): Eastern Chipmunk with cheeks full of seeds.Canon EOS 1Ds mark III, EF 500mm f/4 lens & 1.4x teleconvertor. ISO 640, 1/400s @ f/5.6.

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Algonquin Park Area bird report

2010-10-08T20:22:00.001-04:00

SELECTED SITES AND SOME SPECIES REPORTED THIS WEEK:

Wolf Howl Pond area on Mizzy Lake Trail (accessible via Arowhon Road at km
15.4): Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker (three seen one day), Boreal
Chickadee

Old Airfield (south from km 30.6): Merlin, Horned Lark, American Pipit,
American Tree Sparrow (first of fall on October 3), Rusty Blackbird

Spruce Bog Boardwalk (km 42.5): Spruce Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Gray
Jay

Visitor Centre (km 43): Horned Lark, American Pipit, Purple Finch

Opeongo Road: (km 46.3) Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay, Orange-crowned Warbler
(October 3)

FINCHES:

Purple Finch: a few being seen at Visitor Centre feeders and flying over.

Pine Siskin: a flock of 25 was at Odenback on Radiant Lake (not accessible
by public road) on October 5.

Red Crossbill: Very small numbers are being heard calling in flight
occasionally, perhaps passing through to areas with a better cone crop.

American Goldfinch: a few heard calling in flight.

Evening Grosbeak: Six were reported at the feeder of the Algonquin Lakeside
Inn at Oxtongue Lake (on Highway 60 west of Algonquin Park) on October 1,
and may still be around.

SPARROWS:

Despite several searches, there have been no reports to date of Le Conte's
Sparrow from the Old Airfield or Nelson's Sparrow from favoured marsh and
beaver meadow sites, including the Lake Travers Marsh (end of Barron Canyon
Road on the East Side). This is the peak migration period in Algonquin for
both of these rarely observed species.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor
Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

Directions:
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take
Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers
along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East
Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of
birding locations mentioned here) at the gates.

The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and
information. The centre is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm until October 11,
and daily from 9 am to 5 pm for the rest of the month.

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FALL COLOURS WITH ANDREW COLLETT

2010-10-02T18:16:00.005-04:00

Andrew Collett, is here today conducting a three day photography Fall colour workshop. Every year Andrew visits Algonquin Park for his workshop. As he states this one of his favorite locations to capture the best of the Fall colours in landscapes.

Andrew will be back with us at the Algonquin Inn next year again conducting two three day workshops, click on his link for details.

I asked Andrew, 'so how are the colours today?', by way of an answer check out the photo below

taken by Andrew Collett today .......you be the judge.

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RUSTY BLACKBIRDS AND MORE

2010-09-26T21:03:00.014-04:00

Had a great afternoon out in the yard at the Algonquin inn around the Bird feeders,
Ethan Meleg drop in as well, and between us we had a great parade at the feeders.
4 Rusty Blackbirds have been here for over a week,and gave us great views as you can see below along with the fall colours which are now peaking.
feel free to drop in,

Rusty Blackbird

Imature White Crowned Sparrow

White Crowned Sparrow

Blue Jay

Rusty Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird

Chipmonk

Red Breasted Nuthatch

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FALL COLOUR NEAR PEAK

2010-09-24T08:10:00.004-04:00

Updated: Friday September 24, 2010
See the detailed fall foliage report below, plus links on how to plan your own visit to Algonquin.

NEAR PEAK
Report Details: A growing amount of red, orange and yellow can be observed in the Sugar Maple canopy in Algonquin Park. Fall colours are quickly strengthening with shortening daylight length, recent near freezing night-time temperatures, and the observation of several frosty mornings. The peak fall colour in the Sugar Maple canopy in Algonquin Park is expected in the next 7 to 14 days. During the past 35+ years, the earliest fall colour peak recorded was September 15, 1982, and the latest October 9, 1996. The average peak of the Sugar Maple canopy in the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor is September 27. Learn more about the history of Algonquin's fall colour peak.

At the current time, the best fall colour viewing along the Highway 60 Corridor is from the Park's West Gate (km 0.0) to about the Track and Tower Trail (km 25.0). This high elevation, Sugar Maple dominated area, within the western portion of the Highway 60 Corridor, traditionally changes colour earlier than the eastern portion [for example, the Rock Lake Road (km 40.3), Opeongo Road (km 46.3), Brewer Lake (km 48.6) and the East Gate (km 56)].

See the most recent fall colour images on The Friends of Algonquin Park's Facebook page in the Fall 2010 album.

Leaf fall continues to remain low, with the exception of White Birch trees which changed colour early as a result of a wide-spread Birch Skeletonizer outbreak. Many visitors have observed the early colour change and leaf fall of the White Birch (Betula papyrifera). The yellow-brown colour observed throughout the Highway 60 Corridor and over wide areas of the Park is likely caused by the Birch Skeletonizer (Bucculatrix canadensisella). The Birch Skeletonizer is native species of moth and is part of a natural cycle of insect outbreaks. This premature leaf fall of White Birch leaves can result in the slower growth for the trees affected but essentially no mortality is observed. The last large outbreak of Birch Skeletonizer in Algonquin Park was in September 2003.

Plan now for your trip to Algonquin Park to observe the amazing fall colours.

Check back frequently for updates on the progress of Algonquin Park's fall colour change

WINTER FINCH FORCAST FOR THIS WINTER

2010-09-23T17:20:00.003-04:00

WINTER FINCH FORECAST 2010-2011

This winter's theme is that some finch species will irrupt into southern
Canada and the northern United States, while other species will remain
in the north. As an example, Common and Hoary Redpolls will move south
whereas Pine Grosbeaks will stay in the north. See individual finch
forecasts below for details. Three irruptive non-finch passerines are
also discussed.

KEY FINCH TREE CROPS
Key trees in the boreal forest affecting finch abundance and movements
are white and black spruces, white birch, and mountain-ashes. South of
the boreal in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forest region, white pine
and hemlock are additional key finch trees. Other trees play a lesser
role, but often boost or buffer main seed sources. These include
tamarack (American larch), balsam fir, white cedar, yellow birch and
alders.

SPRUCE: White spruce cone crops are very good to excellent across the
northern half of the boreal forest in Canada, except Newfoundland where
crops are poor. However, spruce crops are much lower in the southern
half of the boreal forest and poor in the mixed forest region of central
Ontario such as Algonquin Park. The spruce crop is good to very good in
central and northern Quebec, but generally poor in Atlantic Canada and
northeastern United States. Spruce cone abundance is very good in the
foothills of Alberta and eastern side of the Rocky Mountains in Canada,
but poor in the southern half of British Columbia and in Washington
State. A bumper white spruce cone crop in southern Yukon attracted high
numbers of White-winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins this past summer and
they may remain there through the winter. Spruce crops are generally
poor in the Atlantic Provinces, New York State and New England States.
WHITE PINE: Cone crop is spotty with scattered good to excellent crops
across Ontario. White pine crops are low in Atlantic Canada, New York
and New England States. HEMLOCK: Cone crop is poor in Ontario and
elsewhere in the East. WHITE BIRCH: Crop is poor across the boreal
forest of Canada and in central Ontario, but birch crops are much better
in southern Ontario south of the Canadian (Precambrian) Shield.
MOUNTAIN-ASH: Berry crops are generally excellent across Canada and
Alaska, but poor in Newfoundland.

INDIVIDUAL FINCH FORECASTS
Forecasts apply mainly to Ontario, but neighboring provinces and states
may find they apply to them.

PINE GROSBEAK: The Pine Grosbeak breeds in moist open habitats across
northern Ontario. It is most common in northeastern Ontario which
receives more precipitation than northwestern Ontario (Peck and Coady in
Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007). Most Pine Grosbeaks should
stay in the north this winter because the mountain-ash berry crop is
generally excellent across the boreal forest of Canada and Alaska,
except for a poor crop in Newfoundland. The feeders at the Visitor
Centre in Algonquin Park usually attract Pine Grosbeaks even in
non-flight winters. If Pine Grosbeaks wander into southern Ontario they
will find good crops of European mountain-ash berries and ornamental
crabapples.

PURPLE FINCH: This finch winters in the north when the majority of
deciduous and coniferous seed crops are abundant, which is not the case
this year. Most Purple Finches will migrate south of Ontario this fall.
A few may frequent feeders in southern Ontario. Purple Finch numbers
have declined significantly in recent decades due in part to a decrease
of spruce budworm outbreaks since the 1980s (Leckie and Cadman in Atlas
of Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007).

RED CROSSBILL: This crossbill comprises at least 10 "call types" in
North America. Each type has its particular cone preferences related to
bill size and shape. These crossbill types may be at an early stage of
evolving into full species and some may already qualify for species
status. They are exceedingly difficult to identify in the field and much
remains to be learned about their status and distribution. Types 2 and 3
and probably 4 occur regularly in Ontario (Simard in Atlas of Breeding
Birds of Ontario 2007). Most Red Crossbill types prefer pines, but the
smallest-billed Type 3 (sitkensis subspecies of AOU Check-list 1957)
prefers the small soft cones of hemlock in Ontario. It will be absent
this winter because hemlock crops are poor. Type 2 may be the most
frequently encountered Red Crossbill in the province. Some Type 2s
should be found this winter where white pine crops are very good such as
northeastern Algonquin Park and along Highway 69 north of the French
River in Sudbury District. Possible this winter are other Red Crossbill
types associated with red pine, which has some locally good crops.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL: High numbers of White-winged Crossbills are
currently concentrated in southern Yukon where the white spruce cone
crop is bumper. These may remain there this winter. This crossbill's
highest breeding abundance in Ontario is in the spruce dominated Hudson
Bay Lowlands and adjacent northern Canadian Shield (Coady in Atlas of
Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007). Most Ontario reports this past summer
came from this area where the white spruce cone crop is heavy. Some were
singing and presumably nesting. They might remain in northern Ontario
this winter if seed supplies last. Some may disperse southward as spruce
seeds run low and could appear in southern Ontario and northern United
States. However, they will be rare or absent this winter in traditional
areas such as Algonquin Park where spruce and hemlock cone crops are
very poor. Unlike the Red Crossbill, the White-winged Crossbill has no
subspecies (monotypic) or call types in North America. Its nomadic
wanderings across the boreal forest mix the populations and allow gene
flow, which inhibits geographical variation and the formation of
subspecies.

COMMON REDPOLL: Redpolls should irrupt into southern Canada and the
northern United States this winter. The Common Redpoll's breeding range
in Ontario is mainly in the Hudson Bay Lowlands from the Manitoba border
southeast to southern James Bay (Leckie and Pittaway in Atlas of
Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007). Redpolls in winter are a birch seed
specialist and movements are linked in part to the size of the birch
crop. The white birch crop is poor across much of northern Canada.
Another indicator of an upcoming irruption was a good redpoll breeding
season in 2010 with double and possibly triple broods reported in
Quebec. High breeding success also was reported in Yukon. Samuel Denault
of McGill University has shown that redpoll movements at Tadoussac,
Quebec, are more related to reproductive success than to tree seed crops
in the boreal forest. Redpolls will be attracted to the good birch seed
crops on native white birch and European white birch in southern Ontario
and to weedy fields. They should be frequent this winter at feeders
offering nyger and black oil sunflower seeds. Watch for the larger,
darker and browner "Greater" Common Redpolls (rostrata subspecies) in
the flocks. It is reliably identified by its larger size and
proportionally longer thicker bill and longer tail in direct comparison
with "Southern" Common Redpolls (nominate flammea subspecies).

HOARY REDPOLL: The breeding population in northern Ontario is the most
southerly in the world (Leckie and Pittaway in Atlas of Breeding Birds
of Ontario 2007). Careful checking of redpoll flocks should produce a
few Hoary Redpolls. There are two subspecies. Most Hoaries seen in
southern Canada and northern United States are "Southern" Hoary Redpolls
(exilipes subspecies). During the last large redpoll irruption in
2007/2008, several "Hornemann's" Hoary Redpolls (nominate hornemanni
subspecies) were found and supported by photographs. Hornemann's Redpoll
was previously regarded as a great rarity south of the Arctic, but it
may be more frequent than formerly believed. Hornemann's is most
reliably identified by its much larger size in direct comparison with
flammea Common Redpolls or exilipes Hoary Redpoll. Note that white birds
loom larger than life among darker birds and size illusions are
possible.

PINE SISKIN: Similar to the White-winged Crossbill, there are currently
high numbers of siskins in southern Yukon attracted to a bumper white
spruce cone crop. They could stay in Yukon for the winter. Siskins show
a tendency for north-south migration, but are better considered an
opportunistic nomad (Pittaway in Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario
2007). Banding recoveries show that siskins wander from coast to coast
searching for conifer seed crops. They were uncommon this past summer in
Ontario and the Northeast. Some might winter in northern Ontario where
the white spruce crop is heavy. However, siskins are currently uncommon
in the Northeast so there are potentially only very small numbers that
could irrupt south in eastern North America.

EVENING GROSBEAK: Highest breeding densities in Ontario are found in
areas with spruce budworm outbreaks. Current breeding and wintering
populations are now much lower than a few decades ago mainly because
large spruce budworm outbreaks have subsided since the 1980s (Hoar in
Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007). If some come south this
winter, they will find large crops of Manitoba maple (boxelder) seeds
and plenty of black oil sunflower seeds at feeders waiting for them.

THREE MORE IRRUPTIVE PASSERINES

BLUE JAY: This will be an average flight year with smaller numbers than
in 2009 along the north shorelines of Lakes Ontario and Erie. Beechnut
crops are poor to none. Acorn crops are spotty, but considerably better
than last year. More Blue Jays will winter in Ontario than last winter
due to caches of acorns and other mast crops.

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH: This nuthatch is a conifer seed specialist when
it winters in the north, thus its movements are triggered by the same
crops as the boreal winter finches. The southward movement, which began
in the summer, signaled the generally poor cone crops on spruces, balsam
fir and white pine in the mixed coniferous/deciduous forest region
across Ontario and in Atlantic Canada, New York and New England States.
Red-breasted Nuthatches will be very scarce this winter in central
Ontario such as Algonquin Park. White spruce crops are excellent in the
northern half of the boreal forest, but it is uncertain how many
Red-breasted Nuthatches will winter that far north.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING: Most Bohemians Waxwings will stay close to the boreal
forest this winter because mountain-ash berry crops are excellent across
Canada, except in Newfoundland. Some should wander south to traditional
areas of eastern and central Ontario such as Ottawa and Peterborough
where planted European mountain-ashes and ornamental crabapples are
frequent. If you get the opportunity to visit northern Ontario this
winter, you may see Bohemian Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks feeding
together on mountain-ash berries. The grosbeaks eat the seeds and
discard the flesh whereas the waxwings swallow the entire berry and
sometimes eat the fleshy leftovers of the grosbeaks. The similar
coloration of Bohemian Waxwings and female Pine Grosbeaks may be
functional, perhaps reducing interspecific aggression when they feed
together.

WHERE TO SEE FINCHES
A winter trip to Algonquin Park is a birding adventure. The park is a
three hour drive north of Toronto. Finch numbers will be low in
Algonquin forests this winter, but the feeders at the Visitor Centre
should attract redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Grosbeaks. Gray Jays
frequent the suet feeder and sometimes Pine Martens and Fishers feed on
the suet and sunflower seeds. A high observation deck overlooks a
spectacular boreal wetland and black spruce/tamarack forest. Eastern
Timber Wolves (Canis lycaon), which until recently was a subspecies of
the Gray Wolf (C. lupus), 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.

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: Dennis Barry
(Durham Region and Washington State), Eleanor Beagan (Prince Edward
Island), Ken Corston* (Moosonee), Pascal Cote (Tadoussac Bird
Observatory, Quebec), Mark Cranford, Samuel Denault (Monts-Pyramides,
Quebec), Bruce Di Labio (Eastern Ontario), Carrolle Eady (Dryden),
Cameron Eckert (Yukon), Brian Fox* (South Porcupine), Francois Gagnon
(Abitibi, Lac Saint-Jean, Saguenay, Quebec), Marcel Gahbauer (Alberta),
Michel Gosselin (Canadian Museum of Nature), David Govatski (New
Hampshire), Charity Hendry* (Ontario Tree Seed Plant), Leo Heyens*
(Kenora), Tyler Hoar (Central and Northern Ontario), George Holborn*
(Thunder Bay), Eric Howe*, Peter Hynard (Minden), Jean Iron
(Northeastern Ontario and James Bay), Bob Knudsen (Sault Ste Marie,
Ontario), Bruce Mactavish (Newfoundland), David McCorquodale (Cape
Breton Island), Erwin Meissner (Massey), Andree Morneault* (North Bay to
Renfrew County), Brian Naylor* (North Bay to Renfrew County), Martyn
Obbard*, Stephen O'Donnell (Parry Sound District), Fred Pinto* (North
Bay to Renfrew County), Dean Phoenix*, Rick Salmon* (Lake Nipigon),
Harvey and Brenda Schmidt (Creighton, Saskatchewan), Don Sutherland*
(Northern Ontario), Ron Tozer (Algonquin Park), Declan Troy (Alaska),
Gert Trudel (Gowganda), Mike Turner* (Haliburton Highlands), John
Woodcock (Thunder Cape Bird Observatory), Alan Wormington, and Matt
Young of Cornell University, who provided detailed information about
seed crops in New York and other eastern states. Jean Iron and Michel
Gosselin made many helpful comments and proofed the forecast.

LITERATURE CITED: Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario 2007 by editors
M.D. Cadman, D.A. Sutherland, G.G. Beck, D. Lepage and A.R. Couturier.
http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp

Ron Pittaway
Ontario Field Ornithologists
Minden, Ontario
23 September 2010

LOON PHOTOGRAPHY

2010-09-14T17:40:00.004-04:00

the last of this year's Loon photography workshops has just wrapped up, "Loons in the mist"

we have had great reviews and feedback on the workshops which are conducted by local professional guide and photographer Michael Burtelsen.

Micheal puts a lot work into to his workshops making sure everyone goes home with a "keeper" photo,what also really helps to the success is his local knowledge of the Lakes and his custom set up on his 19' boat with four captain chairs to ensure stability and comfort,and an electric trawling motor so as not to disturb the wildlife,check out his up and coming Moose workshops.

all of the details can be found on our web site

http://www.algonquininn.com/

WARBLER MIGRATION IN FUL SWING ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-09-03T07:22:00.002-04:00

Here in Algonquin Park, warbler migration is in full swing. Yesterday (Sept
1st), birding along the railway bed at the Mizzy Lake Trail was phenomenal.
The birds were mainly concentrated about 200 m past the locked gate on the
railway bed. The flock was enormous. I came up with 17 species, with many
individuals.

75+ BLACKBURNIAN
50+ NASHVILLE
30+ BLACK-THROATED GREEN
30+ YELLOW-RUMPED

Also handfuls of the following -

BAY-BREASTED
BLACK-THROATED BLUE
AMERICAN REDSTART
MAGNOLIA
BLACK-AND-WHITE
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Many still on territory)

and singles of the following -

CAPE MAY
TENNESSEE
OVENBIRD
ORANGE-CROWNED (Early)
BLACKPOLL (Rare for Park)

CONNECTICUT - One of the few park records - was associating with the
abundant Nashvilles. A juvenile, with the brown hood barely contrasting with
the olive body and yellow belly. Very brief, but excellent look!

Also present were a male SPRUCE GROUSE, a pair of GRAY JAYS, and about a
half-dozen BOREAL CHICKADEES to spice things up.

This morning Justin Peter and myself birded the railway bed, and though the
numbers were down, most of the common species were observed, as well as many
BOREAL CHICKADEES!

'Tis the season, folks, so come on up here and enjoy the birds!

Directions:

Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take
Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park.

The Old Airfield is located along the Mew Lake Campground access road, park at
a small parking lot on the left at the beginning of the Old Railway Bike Trail
and walk around the airfield.

The Wolf Howl Pond & West Rose Lake area can be accessed by driving 4.8km up
Arowhon Rd and then turning right onto an abandoned railway and follow 0.6km to
chain gate, park well to the side and walk in 1.5km to Wolf Howl and another
1km to West Rose.

Good Birding!
Lev Frid

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GREAT GRAY OWLS ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-08-25T07:43:00.003-04:00

Had another opportunity to head on back into Algonquin Park with some Birders and Photographer friends to see if we could re find the Great Gray Owls we had seen feeding before.
We were able to locate them but they kept to the thickest part of the wooded bog area,none of my shots are worth showing here, especially after seeing one of STEVE ROSE'S shots Steve just happened to be at the right place at the right time, this is his photo.
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GREAT GRAY OWLS IN ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-08-15T19:50:00.005-04:00

My last post was about Great Gray Owls being sighted on the Mizzy Lake trail in
Algonquin Park,well the good news is that Michael Bertelson was able to locate them again, Michael a professional guide conducts photographic tour groups from Algonquin Inn into Algonquin Park, check out our web site for more details on Michael's tours for Loons and Moose.
the Great Grays where located way back into the bush but Michael was able to get this great shot of the not so small chick that had just been fed by the adult.

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ALGONQUIN PARK & GREAT GRAY OWLS

2010-07-21T07:42:00.001-04:00

A Great Gray Owl was observed and photographed in the
Dizzy Lake area (near post 12) of Mizzy Lake Trail on
18 and 19 July. This may be the same individual that was
seen in that area on 13 June. A small population of this
boreal species is believed to breed regularly within
Algonquin Park.

The Dizzy Lake area is most easily accessed by going
backwards on the Mizzy Lake Trail from its beginning
at the junction of Arowhon Road and Highway 60 at
km 15.4. There is a map of the trail in the trail guide,
available at the trail entrance.

We would appreciate receiving your Algonquin Park
bird observations for our Visitor Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

ETHAN MELEG VISIT REVIEW

2010-06-23T22:13:00.010-04:00

We just had Ethan Meleg stay with us for a few days whilst visiting Algonquin Park, Ethan is not only an excellent photographer but also an outstanding birder.
Ethan has stayed with us many times and has help us to better set up our birding stations so as to get the best backgrounds and perches for photography but also for attracting the most species into to our yards,from this all visitors can benefit.
Ethan has posted to his blogg his visit to the Algonquin inn and Algonquin Park,which is re posted here.......
FROM HIS BLOG which by the way is a great one to follow the link is http://ethanmeleg.blogspot.com/

I'm back from a week on the road including a few days of shooting in the Algonquin Provincial Park area. It was a productive trip with some fantastic photo opportunities! Hope these look ok, I'm processing them in a weary-eyed state.

A highlight of the trip was an unusually tame moose, which walked right up to me within a meter (I was safely tucked in behind my van). At one point, I was able to lie down on the ground to shoot low level perspectives with a group of people standing behind it. What amazed me the most, however, was how foolish some people were - walking right up to it with their point & shoot cameras. The moose wasn't acting aggressively, but passing cars could easily have spooked it causing it to plough into (through? over?) the tourists. Getting run over by a moose can't be good for you. Rest assured that I would have captured the exclusive photos of 'natural selection' in progress!

Photo 1 (above): Young moose and onlookers along Highway 60 in Algonquin Park.
EOS 1Ds mark III; EF 70-200/4 lens; handheld

Photo 2 (above): Highway 60 through Algonquin Provincial Park
EOS 5D mark II; EF 70-200/4 lens; Singh-Ray LB Warming polarizer & 2 stop hard edge ND grad

Photo 3 (above): Sunset clouds over Lake of Two Rivers with Oxeye Dasies in foreground.
EOS 5D mark II; EF 17-40mm lens; Singh-Ray LB Warming Polarizer & 3 stop hard edge ND grad

Photo 4 (above): Common Loon portrait (photographed from a canoe).
EOS 1Ds mark III; 500/4 IS lens & 1.4x TC; Gitzo tripod & Wimberly head sitting on canoe bottom.

For my travels in the Algonquin Park front country, I base out of the Algonquin Lakeside Inn motel just west of the park along Highway 60 at Oxtongue Lake. It's the most convenient place to stay with comfortable amenities and great access to the park. Over the years I've gotten to know the owner Gary Schultz, who is a budding (and pretty damn good) nature photography. The Inn's property is a magnet for birds, so last fall I suggested that Gary put up a photo blind and some strategically located feeders with perches. He's done a fantastic job setting up the yard for bird photography and attracting various bird species throughout the seasons. I shot Purple Finches this week - it's the best shooting I've ever had for them... unfortunately I accidentally erased my best shots because of lack-of-sleep induced stupidity. I'll be back soon to reshoot them!

Here's the best part... stay at the Inn and you have free use of the photo blind. Gary is very obliging and you can fine-tune the perches to your needs. Don't miss out on this - it's a great bird setup with tons of activity!

Photo 5 (above): Male Purple Finch at the Algonquin Lakeside Inn feeders.
EOS 1Ds mark III; 500/4IS lens & 1.4x TC

Photo 6 (above): The blind and one of the feeder setups at the Algonquin Lakeside Inn.
Shot with a Canon G11, which I keep handy to capture the behind-the-scenes photos.

a great post thanks Ethan

ARE THE MOOSE STILL ABOUT ???

2010-05-29T20:45:00.004-04:00

This a question we still get when someone makes a reservation to stay at the Algonquin Lakeside Inn at this time of year, in fact right now is the peak time to view Moose.
Our guests on average have been seeing 4-7 Moose a day, in fact just tonight less than a mile from the Inn on hwy#60 at the entrance to Ragged Falls there is a small pond/lake and swimming across was a young bull Moose, sorry to say i just missed him as he walk off into the bush when I arrived. The good news, members of the Toronto Digital camera club that have been staying with us this weekend were able to see him and get some good pictures...

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HOW HOT IS ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-05-25T10:59:00.003-04:00

So how hot these days,in Algonquin Park mid Ontario ?.
Picture of our temperature gauge in the shade at the front door of the Algonquin Lakeside Inn

We just had a great holiday May 2/4 weekend temps are over 30+ and will continue that way for this week as well.
That's great news as the heat kills the Black Flies.....

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NOW THAT'S A FISH

2010-05-22T17:54:00.010-04:00

Two of our guests took the morning off to go fishing, and here is the proof of their success,
Kenny and Bob are part of a group that stayed with us for two days. They knew that the Lakes in the Algonquin Park area has a great reputation for quality fresh water Fish, and wanted to give it a try their first time for Northern Pike.
The group is on a cruise across Canada vacation, that started at Salt Spring Island B.C. and finishes in Halifax N.S.

Northern Pike was their target Fish so to help them with a Boat and Guide service they used a local charter service http://www.redlineoutdoors.ca/

If you ever thought of doing an across Canada tour check out their blog @
http://drivecanada.blogspot.com/ also check out their other adventures around the World on 7 other major driving tours. Great guests so glad that they stayed with us and where successful.

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E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER

2010-05-14T08:46:00.005-04:00

This visitor was not hard to find,as i stepped out of the door there he was drilling into a pine tree

I was lucky to fire off two quick shots before he took flight, now i know that we have a pair here i will have to set up for a better shot.

evidence of their work

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BACKYARD SETUP FOR ALGONQUIN INN

2010-05-10T20:21:00.005-04:00

We get a lot of comments here at Algonquin Inn regarding the abundance of Birds on the property, what helps is
- that we are located on the shores of Oxtongue Lake which is right at the West entrance to Algonquin Park.
- On the grounds we also have a small swamp area in the back as well as a large old growth tree area, and then the large lawns.
- and what really helps is the 30+ and varied types of Bird feeders dotted around.

We have now placed a hide near the main feeders for guests to use.

We have also added a small water feature which helps to draw in the Birds
the a large lawn area leading to the wooded area.

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E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

ANOTHER NEW RETURN TODAY

2010-05-08T19:07:00.003-04:00

Along with the daily visits of Evening Grosbeaks, today we had the return of a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, we had a photography group in and whilst in the restaurant they were
able to enjoy these birds at the feeders.

MORE RETURNS

2010-05-06T20:25:00.004-04:00

Our resident Loons are back on our lake,Oxtongue Lake,at the West gate to Algonquin Park,
can't wait for the end of June to go out on the Lake in a kayak to photograph the Loon chicks,when they are just balls of fluff riding on their parents back.

another bird sighted today in our yard a pair of Yellow Warblers.

we are still having daily visits of Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches.
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They're Back !!! Moose in Algonquin Park

2010-04-30T20:15:00.004-04:00

Moose are back once again along highway 60 to Algonquin Park. On a quick drive through the park today, I was looking for a black back wood pecker (which I was unable to locate ) when I came across a cow moose with her last years calf.
The Moose have been back for quite a while, but I haven't posted about them til now so as to ensure that if anyone makes the trip up specifically for moose then now they should not be dissaponted.

You can see this cow moose has been fitted with a satellite tracking collar. The naturalists in the park regularly put tracking devices on just about anything that is on four legs or swims to help them in the studies and observations.

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SUNNY SPRING DAY IN ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-04-29T21:10:00.006-04:00

I had to drive out to the West gate of Algonquin Park today,it was a bright sunny day so whilst at the gate i checked out the area south of the winter X country ski trails.
and i was able to spot my first red Trillium flower of this spring.

looks like i was not the only one out enjoying the spring sunshine Snapping turtles on a log.

Pileated Woodpecker making a new nest cavity

this is the work of a Pileated Woodpecker when looking for grubs.

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Algonquin Park Bird report

2010-04-21T19:46:00.001-04:00

Subject: OFO Algonquin Park Trip
From: Ron Tozer
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:28:32 -0400

The 21st annual OFO Algonquin Park trip today had
spectacular sunny conditions throughout. About 45 people
in 21 vehicles explored the Highway 60 Corridor from
9 am to 6:30 pm., observing 57 species of birds.

All the northern species we sought were found:

Spruce Grouse: male and female at Spruce Bog Boardwalk,
north from trail register box.

Black-backed Woodpecker: Male excavating nest cavity in
third utility pole west of road into Leaf Lake Ski Trail parking
lot at km 53.9.

Gray Jay: single along Highway 60 between Lookout Trail and
Eucalia Lake; pair near chain gate along old railway east of
Arowhon Road; pair along old railway at West Rose Lake.

Boreal Chickadee: At least three vocalizing birds allowing
brief but good views along old railway near West Rose Lake.

Other highlights included:

American Bittern: first of the spring, at Cache Lake marsh.

Osprey: one over Tea Lake Dam road.

Merlin: pair at Harkness Fish Lab on Lake Opeongo

Blue-headed Vireo: singing male across from Cache Lake
Marsh. This was a new early date for Algonquin; previous
earliest was April 20.

Pine Warbler: two singing males near site 22 in Lake of Two
Rivers Campground. (No Yellow-rumped Warblers were
observed today.)

We would like to thank everyone who came on today's trip.
We walked a long way, but it was a fun day.

Good birding. Hope to see you next year.

Ron and Laura Tozer
Dwight

GREAT ACTION AT THE FEEDERS....

2010-04-19T20:25:00.006-04:00

Lots of activity at the feeders today,
White-throat ed Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow and a few American Robins,
20+ Dark eyed Junco's as well as 20+ Purple Finches
in the large grass field area Northern Flickers,Red winged Blackbirds,
10+ Evening Grosbeaks,10+ Goldfinches on the silo feeders.
lots of people came by this weekend for a lifer on the Evening Grosbeak.

Female Evening Grosbeak

Goldfinch

Purple Finch Female and Male

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Algonquin Park bird report

2010-04-16T08:02:00.001-04:00

Following the flurry of new arrivals and birders during
last week's Easter Weekend, things slowed down significantly
this week in typical mid April fashion in Algonquin.

New arrival reports were limited to Sandhill Crane on April 11
and Hermit Thrush on April 12. Sandhill Cranes are rare but
apparently increasing in Algonquin Park, and were observed
at four different locations here this week.

Common Loons were still not widespread by the end of the week,
even though all lakes have been open since April 7.

The first of the three Highway 60 Owl Surveys produced Barred
Owls at km 4, km 10 and km 12 on April 14. No Northern
Saw-whet Owls were heard, as expected given the low small
mammal numbers.

A few Wild Turkeys were observed along Highway 60, apparently
part of the April move back into the Park noted in recent years.

Boreal Species:

Spruce Grouse: A displaying male was observed in the black
spruce bog along the north end of Opeongo Road on April 12.

Gray Jay: Birds were noted at the Logging Museum parking
lot, and at the chain gate along the old railway west of Wolf Howl
Pond this week.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
www. algonquininn.com
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Photography Series: Spring Wildflower Walk Workshop In Algonquin

2010-04-12T08:01:00.002-04:00

Capturing the Essence of Algonquin Photography Series
Enjoy a day of photography capturing the natural beauty of Algonquin Park, beginning with an indoor instructional session and review, followed by an afternoon field excursion for practice.

This workshop features a look at the beautiful spring wildflowers that carpet Algonquin Park's hardwood slopes. A Park Naturalist will accompany the group for plant identification and to explain the natural history of the plants we find along the trail. This workshop is suitable for point & shoot digital /advanced compact, digital SLR, and film cameras. Basic camera settings will be covered with an emphasis on how to best capture wildflower images. Participants may also be interested in the ‘Edible Treasure Hunt’ plant workshop offered on May 7, which focuses on edible and useful plants found in Algonquin Park.

Cost: $60 (includes vehicle permit, an instructional booklet, and expert instruction) for FOAP(Friends of Algonquin Park) members. Individual membership is $12/yr.

To register:
Contact Sophie Mazowita at 613-637-2828 ext 227 or e-mail groupeducation@algonquinpark.on.ca. Limited enrollment- register early to guarantee your spot!

This workshop is part of the Experience Algonquin series presented by The Friends of Algonquin Park. All proceeds will go towards enhancing the educational and interpretive programs in Algonquin Park.

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e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 8 April 2010

2010-04-09T11:27:00.001-04:00

Interestingly, many lakes opened up before Common Loons
returned. There had been loon reports from only two
lakes as of April 7. Loons typically arrive in Algonquin
when the first small areas of open water appear.

Most migrants are arriving early, and three all-time
early records were set this week: Canada Goose
(interior subspecies), Common Loon and Osprey. A
female Giant Canada Goose incubating eggs along
Costello Creek on April 4 was the earliest ever found
here.

New migrants reported this week included:

April 1: Canada Goose (interior subspecies), Bufflehead,
Northern Harrier, Eastern Phoebe

April 2: Turkey Vulture, American Woodcock,
Ring-billed Gull, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow,
Eastern Meadowlark

April 3: Common Loon, Killdeer, Mourning Dove,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Tree Swallow

April 4: American Kestrel, Wilson's Snipe, Savannah
Sparrow

April 5: Osprey, Rusty Blackbird

April 6: Yellow-rumped Warbler

Other Species of Interest:

Bald Eagle: Two were over the Old Airfield on April 4,
and one was at Jake Lake on April 5.

Spruce Grouse: A male was along the Opeongo Road
on April 3.

Black-backed Woodpecker: Look in the km 8 area and
try Barred Owl calls to get them to respond.

Gray Jay: One was at Wolf Howl Pond on April 4, and two
were at the Visitor Centre feeders on April 7. The first nestlings
were banded by Dan Strickland this week, again a record
early date.

Boreal Chickadee: Try Opeongo Road and the old railway
from Arowhon Road to Wolf Howl Pond. Listen for the
distinctive calls.

Bohemian Waxwing: Five were feeding on common juniper
berries at the lookout on Barron Canyon Trail (accessible
from Pembroke area via Barron Canyon Road) on April 2.

Pine Siskin: Three (including a singing male) were at the
Visitor Centre on April 7.

Evening Grosbeak: A few have been fairly regular at the
Visitor Centre.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

Hummingbirds on there way to Algonquin Inn

2010-04-08T08:04:00.005-04:00

With the early Spring conditions i was not sure as to when we can expect to see the Humming birds back to Algonquin Inn,and Algonquin Park so i have just checked the Humming bird tracking site.
The site tracks the return migration all across America into Canada, and it already shows their
arrival on the shores of Lake Ontario.......

you can daily check the progress at http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

you can see they started their journey arrival in the U.S.A. Feb 25th

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ICE OUT ON OXTONGUE LAKE

2010-04-06T08:31:00.002-04:00

Wow, What Great Weather we had this past weekend!
A record high was set of Saturday of 27c to keep that in perspective the norm of this time of year is 7c. This combined with light winds broke up the remaining ice, result being Oxtounge Lake was ice free by Saturday. This is a good two to three weeks ahead of normal.
Even Opeongo Lake the largest lake in Algonquin Park, is now ice free, on Saturday the 3rd of April. This has beaten the previous best of April the 14Th set in 1953....
All of the other lakes along Hwy 60 through Algonquin Park like Mew, Canoe, Cache Lake etc have been ice free for a while.
It looks like we are in for a Long HOT Summer!

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Algonquin Park Area bird report

2010-04-02T11:53:00.002-04:00

Great weather this week has brought more activity to all of our bird feeders around the Inn,daily we have seen Evening Grosbeaks and Dark Eyed Juncos, as well as house finches,blue jays, red winged black birds ,crackle,..

The very warm temperatures by week's end resulted
in some small lakes (Long, Mew, Eos) along Highway
60 becoming ice-free on April 1. Snow cover is now
mainly in deeply shaded north-facing areas.

An influx of migrants was dominated by waterbirds.
Arrivals this week included: Wood Duck, Mallard,
Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead,
Common Goldeneye, Great Blue Heron, Northern
Harrier, Merlin (at the East Gate), Eastern Phoebe,
Golden-crowned Kinglet and Song Sparrow.

The next six weeks will be prime time to see the
boreal species that many birders come to Algonquin
Park to find.

A male Spruce Grouse was right on the trail along
Spruce Bog Boardwalk beyond the long boardwalk
across the bog on April 1.

A female Black-backed Woodpecker responded to a
Barred Owl imitation at Heron Creek, which is about
a kilometre inside the West Gate on Highway 60, and
a male was drumming on the first utility pole east of
the Tea Lake Dam road, on April 1.

Gray Jays were seen on the Opeongo Road this week.

There were about 10 Evening Grosbeaks at the Visitor
Centre feeders on April 1, and a Pine Siskin was among
the American Goldfinches there on March 31.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations
for our Visitor Centre records. Weekend visitors are
encouraged to add their observations of newly arrived
migrants to the sheets posted in the Visitor Centre lobby.

THE VISITOR CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY ON APRIL
2 TO 5, FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

ALGONQUIN PARK BIRD REPORT

2010-03-27T19:24:00.001-04:00

Subject: Algonquin Park Birding Update: 25 March 2010
From: Ron Tozer
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:09:57 -0400

The extent of snow melt is now suggestive of
conditions typically two or three weeks later.
Some birds have responded to the earlier appearance
of bare ground. Ruffed Grouse usually start drumming
when their display logs become free of snow, with the
average date in Algonquin Park being April 9 (30 years).
The first drumming was detected on March 24 this year,
tying the earliest date on record.

Arrivals this week included: American Black Duck,
Common Merganser, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Saw-whet
Owl, Dark-eyed Junco and Purple Finch.

Spruce Grouse usually begin flutter flight displays in April
here, but the first was noted on March 24 this year. Try
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

A Black-backed Woodpecker was photographed at Wolf Howl
Pond on March 20.

Gray Jays are being seen regularly on Opeongo Road and
Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

Boreal Chickadees are calling more often now, making
them easier to locate. Try Opeongo Road and Spruce Bog
Boardwalk.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for
our Visitor Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

EVENING GROSBEAKS AT ALGONQUIN INN

2010-02-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

Winter Finches have been few and far between both in Algonquin Park or the Algonquin Inn. We have had from time to time a flock of Evening Grosebeaks but since we have had the last heavy snow fallm they have been regular visitors to the bird feeders. Unfortunately, they have been very flighty, and I have not been successful in getting any close ups. So, last week I set up a blind, left it there for a few days so that they would get accustomed to it. The result after a few hours are a few close ups, full frame and not cropped.

female evening grosbeak

male evening grosbeck

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WOOD DUCKS ALGONQUIN PARK

2010-02-02T21:13:00.002-05:00

Wood Ducks have to be one of my favourite birds,both the Male and Female are very striking birds,Unlike most other ducks, the wood duck has sharp claws for perching in trees and normally nests in tree cavities.
Nests in preformed tree cavities made by tree diseases, fire scars, lightning, and cavity-making birds like pileated woodpeckers for nest sites and also use artificial nest boxes.
the photo i would like to get most is of a wood duck looking out of it's hole in a tree.
Algonquin Park has many wood ducks in the summer but now with temps as low as -32c last week open water is very hard to find and so all he ducks have headed south a long time ago.
i know of a lake that has a very small open area of water, just south of Algonquin Park which usually has some wintering mallard ducks on it, but this year it has a pair of wood ducks that have stayed for the winter so far.

male wood duck

female duck

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VARIED THRUSH

2010-01-27T09:49:00.003-05:00

As Winter birding has been so quiet here in Algonquin Park, and in fact being reported all over Ontario, I have resorted to travelling far and wide in search of new subjects to photograph.

Just recently a Varied Thrush Male was reported just a little south of us in the Schomberg area, an I have never seen one before, for good reason, they are very much a west coast bird.
It breeds in western North America from Alaska to northern California. It is migratory, with northern breeders moving south within or somewhat beyond the breeding range.
The male Varied Thrush is a striking bird, and is virtually unmistakable. It is smaller than an American Robin and dark blue-gray above. It has bright orange wing bars, throat, lateral head stripe and underparts. There is a black breast band and facemask. The song is eerie and melancholic. So, I went to see for myself and here he is.

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Algonquin Park Bird report

2010-01-16T10:57:00.002-05:00

Reports this week included:

Spruce Grouse: One along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 9.

Black-backed Woodpecker: One along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 9.
Another was 300 m north of the bridge on Opeongo Road on January 12.

Gray Jay: present at Visitor Centre feeder, Opeongo Road at the gate and at
the bridge, and Spruce Bog Boardwalk, ALSO FOUR BIRDS AT MEW LAKE CAMPGROUND.

Boreal Chickadee: three along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 9.

White-throated Sparrow: one still at the Visitor Centre feeder.

Pine Grosbeak: female last seen at the Visitor Centre feeder on January 11.

Pine Siskin: last seen at Visitor Centre feeders with goldfinches on January
11.

American Goldfinch: Numbers at Visitor Centre feeders still growing, with
100 plus on January 12.

All week off and on Evening Grosebecks at the Algonquin Inn feeders.

Mammals:
Two martens continue to come to the Visitor Centre feeders, but with no
predictable timing. They eat suet and black sunflower seed. AND TWO AT MEW LAKE CAMPGROUND.

Moose are being observed regularly along Highway 60, especially near dawn
and dusk. Some bulls have not shed their antlers yet.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor
Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

ALGONQUIN PARK PINE MARTINS

2010-01-11T20:10:00.007-05:00

Went into Algonquin Park today as i had heard that a Wolf pack had been sighted on Opeongo Lake, but, no joy, in fact things were very quiet, it has already been reported that the current Bird count is the worst in many years.
So, on the way back to the Inn i dropped in on the usual haunts. At the Mew Lake campground i found two new resident Pine Martins, a male and a female. They are now fairly friendly in that they are approachable. Add to that 4 Gray Jays who joined in the fun once we put some seed down for the other resident birds.
So, if Gray Jays and Pine Martins are on your list then head up now to the Park and don't forget the bag of bird seed.

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

algonquin park bird report

2010-01-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

The results of the Algonquin Park Christmas Bird Count on January 2 were
posted to Ontbirds on January 4, and give a good overview of the birds
present here now.

Additional information:

Spruce Grouse: no reports. Try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road in
black spruce areas.

Wild Turkey: one at Lake of Two Rivers on December 31.

Black-backed Woodpecker: one was calling from the black spruce bog east of
the bridge on Opeongo Road on January 7.

Gray Jay: present at Visitor Centre feeder and Opeongo Road at gate.

Boreal Chickadee: three along Spruce Bog Boardwalk on January 3.

White-throated Sparrow: one still at Visitor Centre feeder today.

Pine Grosbeak: female still coming fairly regularly to the Visitor Centre
feeder. Nine on Highway 60 between West Gate and west boundary on December
31.

Pine Siskin: two at Visitor Centre feeders with goldfinches on January 7.

American Goldfinch: flock of 85 plus coming daily to Visitor Centre feeder.

Evening Grosbeak: Group of three flying over old railway at East Boundary on
January 2. Birders looking for this species should check feeders in Whitney
(on Highway 60 east of Algonquin Park) and Oxtongue Lake (on Highway 60 west
of Algonquin Park).

Mammals:
Marten (at least two) and a Fisher continue to come to the Visitor Centre
feeders, but with no predictable timing. Moose are being observed regularly
along Highway 60, especially near dawn and dusk.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor
Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

Directions:
Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take
Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers
along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East
Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of
birding locations mentioned here) at the gates.

The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders, and
information. The centre is open to the public on weekends only from 10 am to
4 pm until January 31. Birder access to the building through the service
entrance to observe the feeders is usually possible on weekdays. Hot and
cold drinks and snacks are available in the restaurant this winter on
weekends, but not full meal service.

Algonquin Park birding updates and information are available at:
www.algonquinpark.on.ca

ALGONQUIN CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

2010-01-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

Subject: 36th Algonquin Park CBC
From: Ron Tozer
Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:03:14 -0500

The 36th Algonquin Park Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday,
2 January 2009. This count is a good indicator of the species and their
relative numbers present in contiguous forest of the southern Shield during
early winter. There is minimal distortion caused by feeders (only about six
in the circle) which unnaturally concentrate birds and support lingerers
that would otherwise depart or perish. Due to the almost total lack of seed
crops this winter, we expected very low numbers of birds but actually going
for hours at times without seeing a single individual was still amazing.
Cold conditions (minus 21 to minus 17 degrees C, with occasional NW wind
gusts to 20 kph) made it challenging to be out there. All water was frozen.
However, the mainly sunny day enhanced the spectacular scenery and our 84
stalwart observers made a valiant and much appreciated effort. Never have so
many seen so little!

Below is the total list for your interest.

Total Observers: 84 (record high)
Total Party Hours: 338 (record high)
Birds per Party Hour: 3 (record low; previous lowest was 4)

Total Species: 23 (third lowest)
Total Individuals: 1,018 (fifth lowest)

Ruffed Grouse: 31
Spruce Grouse: 1
Wild Turkey: count week (1 at Lake of Two Rivers)
Rock Pigeon: 6 (East Gate MTO sand dome)
Barred Owl: 1
Downy Woodpecker: 16
Hairy Woodpecker: 26
Black-backed Woodpecker: 3
Pileated Woodpecker: 6
Gray Jay: 15
Blue Jay: 11 (mainly at feeders)
Common Raven: 79
Black-capped Chickadee: 584
Boreal Chickadee: 29
Red-breasted Nuthatch: 16
White-breasted Nuthatch: 7
Brown Creeper: 5
Golden-crowned Kinglet: 5
White-throated Sparrow: 1 (at Visitor Centre feeder for weeks)
Snow Bunting: 1
Pine Grosbeak: 23
Pine Siskin: 1
American Goldfinch: 143 (mainly at feeders)
Evening Grosbeak: 3

A big thank you to all those who participated in the count and those who
helped organize the tally and assisted with the catered dinner. There will
be more birds next year.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park CBC Compiler
Dwight, Ontario

OTTERS IN ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-12-10T20:10:00.006-05:00

The other day i was in the park checking the bird feeders over at the visitors center, after i left heading back to Algonquin Inn on highway 60 going East only 5mins into the drive i spotted an Otter in the middle of the lake.
the Lake was frozen except for a small area then more Otters appeared in the end there were 5 in total, the best way to describe the scene it's like a bucket of live eels....
they were climbing over each other a belly sliding on the ice just enjoying the sun out on the ice.

a crowd at the water hole

here you can see the Otters tracks it runs and then slides across the ice.

off to eat the prize on it's own

PINE MARTINS AND GRAY JAYS

2009-12-08T22:29:00.005-05:00

Had the chance to drive into the Algonquin Park today, as the conditions were great, and as the forecast for the next two days is snow with a major Storm passing through.
the hwy # 60 was quite so i dropped into the visitor center as they have bird feeders set up out back in the winter months.
it was quite there also but three gray jays turned up with a pine martin , you have to wait to get the shot of him off the suet feeders as he spends most his time with his face planted in the feeder

Gray Jay take off in the snow

veryfreindly birds will eat out of your hand so always take along some rasins.

FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE WINTER

2009-12-05T22:29:00.003-05:00

Last night we had our first snowfall of the Winter.
the Birds so far have been few and far between, now the snow it is starting to
drive the birds to the feeders,
Evening Grosbeaks 4 apperard today,hope to see them everyday from here on in.

a view of Algonquin Inn from across Oxtongue Lake

BEAVERS ALGONQUIN INN

2009-12-03T20:00:00.003-05:00

Took a drive into Algonquin Park today to check-out the bird feeders at the visitor center,plus hoping to see any other activities along the way as things have been so quite lately.unseasonal warm days and still no SNOW....

at the feeders 3 Gray jays,and i counted 18 Goldfinches,NO Waxwings or Grosbeaks i had hope for, Winter feeder action has still to start.

So i stopped by on of the Beaver lodges everything was quite they appear to be down now for the Winter, Beavers do not hibernate, but store sticks and logs in a pile in their ponds, eating the underbark. Some of the pile is generally above water and accumulates snow in the winter. This insulation of snow often keeps the water from freezing in and around the food pile, providing a location where beavers can breathe when outside their lodge.
last week i was able to get some pictures of them just before they closed up..they sure look like they are ready for Winter fat and happy.
i was told that if the Beaver adds a lot of fresh new wood to the lodge then expect a lot of deep snow,well this year they have added very little new workings.

x

x

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

at last out and about

2009-11-28T21:59:00.006-05:00

after a busy summer and fall here at the Algonquin Inn i have finally been able to get all of my jobs done for Winter,(well most) which means i can now get out and about.
this is also the time of year when we can start to expect to see the Winter arrivals...and top of my list are raptors, this last week i have been able to obtain some fair shots of

Northern Saw-Whet Owl,

Barred Owl

Eastern Screech-Owl,

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Brant Goose

2009-11-21T19:13:00.004-05:00

the Brant Goose is still at the Algonquin Inn on Oxtongue Lake,

at last i was able to get a picture of it on water,the records show that there have been

only three sightings of the Brant in this area over the last 20 years.

a Brant Goose at Algonquin Inn

2009-11-10T18:08:00.004-05:00

not often you get to see one of these, in fact today it was a first for me,it was on our lawn along by the lake at the Algonquin Inn.

winter bird arrivals

2009-11-03T08:39:00.002-05:00

Winter can't be far off as we have had our first winter arrivals at the bird feeders today,
Evening Grosbeaks are back....a great start.the feeders are located at the front of the Algonquin Inn on hwy 60 just before Algonquin Park.
this year we have also set up new feeders in the back yard area as well.
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e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

Algonquin Park bird report

2009-10-30T08:24:00.001-04:00

Three noteworthy species this week were:

A first year male Eastern Bluebird at the Visitor Centre (km 43) on October
26, which tied the latest fall date ever for this species here.

A male Northern Cardinal first seen at the Visitor Centre on October 25 and
still present today. Cardinals are very rare in Algonquin Park, occurring
primarily as dispersing birds during the period from late October to late
November. They typically pause briefly at feeders, and then wander onward in
search of suitable breeding habitat. Most probably perish in this quest.

Two Chipping Sparrows at the Two Rivers Picnic Area on October
29, for our second latest date for the species in fall in Algonquin.

Ducks are being seen in larger numbers as migrants move through, such as 90
Blacks and Mallards on Smoke Lake (October 25); and 35 Ring-necked Ducks at
Opeongo Access Point (October 28).

Two Wild Turkeys along the highway just east of Found Lake (km 20) were seen
on several days this week.

The Old Airfield and Two Rivers Marsh produced seven Green-winged Teal and a
Merlin on October 26; and a Rusty Blackbird on October 29.

Small groups of Snow Buntings are regular along the highway margin this
week. There were two Lapland Longspurs calling in flight over the Trailer
Sanitation Site on October 29.

Small numbers of American Goldfinch and Evening Grosbeak were at the Visitor
Centre feeders. The only other winter finch reported was a single Purple
Finch at Lake of Two Rivers on October 29.

Boreal Species Info:

Spruce Grouse: try Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Wolf Howl Pond area on Mizzy
Lake Trail.

Gray Jay: seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, Opeongo Road, near Wolf Howl
Pond, and at the Visitor Centre suet feeders.

Boreal Chickadee: three observed near the kettle bog on Spruce Bog Boardwalk
on October 28.

Black-backed Woodpecker: one at Bat Lake on October 24, and one at the Old
Airfield on October 29. Try the Wolf Howl Pond area.

A Pine Marten was at the Visitor Centre suet feeders today, and may continue
to come on an unpredictable schedule.

Good birding. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for
our Visitor Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario
E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM
WWW.ALGONQUININN.COM

Algonquin Park bird report

2009-10-23T20:19:00.001-04:00

The most interesting bird this week was a small juvenile Canada Goose
(probably a runt of the Interior race) at the Opeongo Access Point that I
initially thought was a Cackling Goose. We had doubts after seeing Michael
Runtz's photos of the bird today, and later expert opinions from Ken Abraham
and Ron Pittaway set the record straight.

A Brown Thrasher at Mew Lake Campground on October 17 was notable as this
species is rare here at any time now, and the date tied our second latest
fall record.

Bald Eagles were reported from Canisbay and Lake of Two Rivers.

A Golden Eagle flew over Lake of Two Rivers on October 22.

The Old Airfield produced American Pipits, Rusty Blackbirds and two Eastern
Bluebirds on October 18.

The only winter finch reported was Evening Grosbeak, with small numbers at
the Visitor Centre and elsewhere along Highway 60.

Spruce Grouse: singles on Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Bat Lake Trail (October
17).

Gray Jay: Spruce Bog Boardwalk; Opeongo Road and near Wolf Howl Pond.

Boreal Chickadee: Wolf Howl Pond area on Mizzy Lake Trail.
Black-backed Woodpecker: male and female at Wolf Howl Pond, October 20.

Spruce Grouse: female on old railway west of Wolf Howl Pond on October 20,
and a male at Sims Pit on Arowhon Road a few days earlier.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)

Haliburton Rocks

2009-10-20T07:59:00.003-04:00

Gems Beneath Your Boots

Date: Sunday, October 25
Time: 9:30 am - 12:00 noon
Location: Greenmantle Farms, Wilberforce

Join hosts Mark and Sandra Braham for a 4 km hike to discover amazing undisturbed deposits of fluorichterite, orthoclase, tremolite, actinolite, apatite, and quartz

Your cost for this tour is $20/person plus GST and includes guided tour and transporatation from Haliburton or Minden.

To register for this workshop please call Barrie at 705-754-3436 or info@yoursoutdoors.ca

ALGONQUIN PARK BIRD REPORT

2009-10-16T19:28:00.002-04:00

Here at the Algonquin Inn we have had today at our feeders Starlings and dark eyed Juncos, as well as the blue jays and red and white nuthatches,and a whole host of various sparrows....

Several "first of the fall" migrants have been observed recently, about on
schedule. Examples (with the average first fall date in brackets) include:

-Horned Grebe: October 10, Lake of Two Rives (October 4)

-Northern Shrike: October 14, Lake Travers (October 14)

-American Tree Sparrow: October 10 (October 8)

-Fox Sparrow: October 10 (October 5)

-Snow Bunting: October 14, Lake Travers (October 15)

Sparrows of note recently include:

-Clay-colored Sparrow: two (photos), October 10, Old Airfield

-Field Sparrow: one, October 7, Old Airfield

-Vesper Sparrow: one, October 8, Opeongo Road

-Le Conte's Sparrow: one or two, October 5 to 11, Old Airfield in long grass
at east end near Lake of Two Rivers; and one at Lake Travers marsh, on
October 14.

-Nelson's Sparrow: one, October 5, Old Airfield Marsh; and two at Lake
Travers marsh, October 8.

Winter Finch news:

-no recent reports of Red Crossbill, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin

-American Goldfinch and Purple Finch: a few still present.

-Evening Grosbeak: 20 at Visitor Centre feeder on October 15.

Boreal Species recent reports:

-Spruce Grouse: two at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (October 14).

-Black-backed Woodpecker: one at Lake Travers (October 14); pair on a
utility pole opposite Leaf Lake Ski Trail, between km 54 and 55 (October
14); and a female near the parking lot at the junction of Opeongo Road and
Cameron Lake logging road (October 14).

-Gray Jay: two at locked gate on Old Railway off Arowhon Road (October 10);
five at Spruce Bog Boardwalk (October 14); and two at the junction of
Opeongo Road and Cameron Lake logging road (October 14).

-Boreal Chickadee: two at West Rose Lake on Mizzy Lake Trail (October 10).

Winter Preview:

-In response to the lack of food here, and as predicted in Ron Pittaway's
winter finch forecast, Blue Jays and Red-breasted Nuthatches are becoming
very scarce.

Good birding. As always, we would appreciate receiving your observations for
our Visitor Centre records.

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, Ontario

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

birding report in algonquin park

2009-10-12T15:57:00.001-04:00

Birding Algonquin Park this morning proved to be very productive. There were
two BOREAL CHICKADEES and two GRAY JAYS on the Old Railway near West Rose
Lake on the Mizzy Trail. Also present were AMERICAN PIPIT, PALM +
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and some more common species.

On the eastern end of the Airfield, I located, in a mixed sparrow flock, two
CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS. Also present were SWAMP, SAVANNAH, WHITE-CROWNED,
AMERICAN TREE and CHIPPING SPARROWS, plus D.E JUNCOS.

The two LECONTE'S SPARROWS previously reported by Mike Burrell were
re-located in the alders near Lake of Two Rivers on the east side of the
airfield (Thanks Ron!). There was also a PINE WARBLER amongst numerous
yellow-rumps. Flocks of HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS were prominent on
the Airfield.

Photographs -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/3999482606/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/levfrid/3999479874/

Directions -

Directions:

Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60.
Follow the signs, which start in Toronto on Highway 400. From Ottawa, take
Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park.

The Old Airfield is located along the Mew Lake Campground access road, park at
a small parking lot on the left at the beginning of the Old Railway Bike Trail
and walk around the airfield.

The Wolf Howl Pond & West Rose Lake area can be accessed by driving 4.8km up
Arowhon Rd and then turning right onto an abandoned railway and follow 0.6km to
chain gate, park well to the side and walk in 1.5km to Wolf Howl and another
1km to West Rose.

Good Birding,

Lev Frid,

Maple, ON

Raccoons at Algonquin Inn

2009-10-09T20:38:00.003-04:00

It's rainy,damp and I'm hungry,i know lets go over to the Algonquin Inn there Gary has set up some great bird feeders just by the restaurant window......... and we can watch all the guests.

FALL COLOURS ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-10-03T18:07:00.001-04:00

Report Date: Saturday October 3, 2009
Report Details: Algonquin Park remains at its fall foliage colour peak. Reds, oranges, and yellows are dominating the landscape making for very impressive viewing. Some observers are commenting that this year's colour is one of the best since official record keeping began in 1972.

Understory areas are showing more colour change as temperatures drop and cool temperatures penetrate the canopy. Typically, the understory changes colour to a less intense colour (orange/yellow) well after the Sugar Maple canopy has peaked.

For late season fall colour watchers, Tamarack (Larch) is beginning to show some hint of the approaching yellow colour change.

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.

The peak of fall colour in Algonquin Park is relatively short-lived. 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: 90%-100%
Percentage of Leaf Fall: 20%-29%
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.algonquiniin.com/
E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

BEST FALL COLOUR IN YEARS FOR ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-10-03T18:03:00.003-04:00

FALL COLOURS ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-10-01T07:20:00.002-04:00

This years Fall colours are the best that i have seen in the last 4 or 5 years !!!!!!
The colours in Algonquin Park are far ahead of anything anywhere in Ontario right now.
The highway # 60 corridor is on fire.....it starts to build from Huntsville Muskoka right on into
Oxtongue Lake where the Algonquin Inn is located then on into the Algonquin Park,past the west gate for 35kms.....This side of the Park (West) is at 100% the East side is 50-75%

The best highway picture location is between the 16km and 17km markers.
best Lake location two rivers
Opeongo rd still green.

and yes Moose are showing up along highway # 60......

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e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

FALL PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP @ ALGONQUIN INN

2009-09-29T11:53:00.005-04:00

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.

http://www.algonquininn.com/

fall colour report for algonquin park

2009-09-28T20:13:00.002-04:00

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)
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fall colour report for algonquin park

2009-09-26T18:58:00.002-04:00

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)

ALGONQUIN PARK FALL COLOUR REPORT

2009-09-22T07:39:00.002-04:00

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

WINTER FINCH FORCAST FOR THIS WINTER

2009-09-20T20:18:00.002-04:00

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

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FIRST EARLY MORNING FROST

2009-09-17T07:25:00.003-04:00

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.

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e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

fall colour report for algonquin park

2009-09-16T07:48:00.002-04:00

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

FALL COLOUR REPORT FOR ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-09-13T14:58:00.003-04:00

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)

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E-MAIL STAY@ALGONQUININN.COM

Algonquin Park’s Spectacular Dark Sky

2009-09-06T18:14:00.004-04:00

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

SEE THE INT'L SPACE STATION AND SHUTTLE

2009-09-04T15:46:00.004-04:00

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

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-09-01T16:27:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-01T16:21:00.003-04:00

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

ALGONQUIN PARK WOLF HOWL.

2009-08-10T17:42:00.004-04:00

Don't forget the next Wolf howl is this Thursday August 13th.
bad wheather effected last week's Howl.

Synopsis of Public Wolf Howl #104

Date of Public Wolf Howl:
Thursday,August 6, 2009Location: Kilometre 20 (Art Centre)
Result: Unsuccessful
Total number of vehicles: 458 Estimated number of people in attendance: 1,832Number of staff working: 23
How the pack was found:
This pack was heard by staff living at the staff house behind the Algonquin Art Centre during the previous week. However, the pack was not heard on Tuesday, August 4th, during our scouting but on Wednesday, August 5th, while we were waiting for a break in traffic to attempt to howl, the pups began howling spontaneously.
What happened at the howl?
We used the Art Centre parking lot to park approximately 70 cars and we did not have a second line east of this location as it was deemed unsafe to have two lines of parked cars through the "S" turn just east of the Art Centre. Unfortunately, just as we were almost ready to start our first howling sequence, the wind picked up and it started to rain lightly. We decided to start the first howling sequence regardless, but did not get a response. The rain started to come down harder and everyone scrambled to get back into their cars and some participants began to leave. We had no choice but to cancel the second attempt so that we could control all the cars that were leaving.
Comments:This was probably the most frustrating wolf howl we have organized. We knew that the pups were still there (several were heard howling while we were waiting for cars to get into place) but the weather was against us. The storm cell that hit us was small but the timing was perfect to disrupt us. Thirty minutes earlier or later, or if we were somewhere else along the highway, and we would have been fine. But we tried, and several parties attending the howl appreciated our efforts. Maybe this week!

ALGONQUIN PARK WOLF HOWL

2009-07-28T12:07:00.003-04:00

The first public Wolf howl will be held in Algonquin Park on Thursday 6th August,at 8pm,it starts at the meeting point of the outdoor theatre which is at the 35.4 km marker from the west gate.
we advise guests to allow up to an hour travel from the Algonquin Inn to the theatre, and not to expect to return until about midnight.......
once the first Wolf howl has been completed i will post the results of the evening.
e-mail stay@algonquininn.com
www.algonquininn.com

ALGONQUIN PARK WOLF HOWL...

2009-07-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

August is just around the corner,and during that month Algonquin Park holds the Wolf Howl every thursday night.If you go to our web site at Algonquin inn you will find more details on this event, but hearing a Wolf is one thing but getting to see one and close up is rare at this time of year,a good solution is the Wolf center at the Haliburton Forest,which is located about 45-1hr from the Inn.
The Wolf center has an easy access veiwing area which is in fact has one way glass,and if your lucky to be there when it's fedding time then you can come away with some great close up photo's , again more details on this and haliburton forest click this link to our web site.

i took these in the early spring at the center.

http://www.algonquininn.com/

e-mail stay@algonquininn.com

KAYAK LESSONS ON OXTONGUE LAKE

2009-07-19T07:50:00.003-04:00

The Wolf Den Bunkhouse a Hostel which is just up the road from the Algonquin Inn on Oxtongue Lake,is holding Kayak lessons this summer for Mondays and Tuesdays June - September SK1 Flatwater Kayak Instruction.
- ORCKA and Paddle Canada Certified Instructor James Seabrook
Courses and Costs Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced Levels At the Wolf Den location
- By Appointment
1 Person $1202 Per. $110 Each3 Per. $100 Each4 Per. $90 Each5 Per. $80
Each Includes all paddling, safety equipment and kayaks,
They will meet your needs :Every aspect of their kayaking school is a reflection of their commitment to put the student's needs first. No other kayak school combines the best in: ideal course locations, class size limits, instructor experience, and equipment selection.The kayaking lessons are designed to maximize your learning. They provide you with a kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt and all necessary safety equipment.
so if you ever thought of of getting a lesson this would be the ideal way stay play and get your lesson at the same time.
For more info or reservations please contact James directly at 416 576-7332

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a great Algonquin Park map FREE and on-line

2009-07-16T08:28:00.004-04:00

Already on our web site Algonquininn.com we have a map link to the highway # 60 corridor map,but for those of you that wish to see the full Algonquin Park detail,the maps available are limited in information and yes cost money,but that has all changed with the free on-line map.

Three years ago, Jeffrey A. McMurtrie decided to make his own map of Algonquin Park. McMurtie, a third year environmental geography student at the University of Toronto and a frequent Algonquin visitor, realized that the official park map had “serious” cartographical errors. He also didn’t like the fact that the map didn’t mark enough destinations such as springs or historical sites. He spent two years working on the project, gathering information from earlier park maps, books, newspapers, park publications, trip logs and his own observations. When he was done, he put it on the Internet and allowed people to download it for free.just click here.

McMurtrie’s map is much, much better than the official park map, which you can only get in print for a price. It's more accurate, more current and has way more information. (He says it has more than 120 layers of data.) He updates it frequently and is happy to correct errors that users inform him of. He also sells an 84-page book version of the map for $25, a full-sized, 41.5”x55” version for $35 ($45 on waterproof material), and sectioned versions for $10-$16. “Don’ worry though,” McMurtrie writes, “the print and digital versions are the same. In fact the prices are as low as the printing companies will let me go (I don't want to make a profit.)”

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Ragged Falls Oxtongue Lake

2009-07-12T17:56:00.004-04:00

Ragged Falls Provincial Park is a unique Park, 5 kms west of Algonquin Provincial Park ,Ragged Falls is a little known hidden gem, which is only a two minute drive from the Algonquin Inn on highway # 60 towards Algonquin Park West gate.

This is a wild waterfall, and unlike its many neighbors in the Muskoka Region it has not been dammed or diverted in any way. A well groomed trail leads to a nice overlook of the falls. A chain link fence along the gorge walls is the only thing that takes away from the wildness of the area.
The falls is a steep cascade that is somewhat 'S' shaped. You can climb along the rocks alongside the falls, and it is easy to get to the base and to the top of the falls. The view from the bottom is particularly impressive.
The Oxtongue River flows out of Algonquin Provincial Park into Oxtongue Lake and eventually into the Lake of Bays Muskoka, which is the source of the South Branch of the Muskoka River. The Muskoka eventually reaches Lake Huron by means of Moon River.
Oxtongue River is primarily a waterway park. The Ragged Falls section consists of a small parking area just off of Hwy 60 and the trails to the falls. There is a fee to park.

Nearby Falls

There are a lot of waterfalls in this area. Gravel Chute is upstream of Ragged Falls and Marsh's Falls is downstream. There are many waterfalls in Algonquin Provincial Park, but most of the bigger ones are on the eastern side of the park. Bracebridge Falls. Muskoka Falls, Muskoka High Falls and others can all be found near Bracebridge.

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Horse trail riding here @ Oxtongue Lake

2009-07-12T17:27:00.004-04:00

Here is a copy of a press release from our friends Tracy and family regarding their
trail riding set up here on Oxtongue Lake,as can been seen very reasonable rates for this service,and opportunity to ride around the Algonquin Park area.

Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding is geared up for another season of horseback trail riding around the scenic Oxtongue Lake area. After last year’s overwhelming response, owner Tracie Gower Parrott has been hard at work preparing for the 2009 season.

Parrott has upgraded her facilities for the 2009 season.”This year we decided to offer pony rides, so our younger visitors to the area can enjoy our facilities. We also added a horsemanship-mentoring program. As a result, we built a new riding ring and purchased some great new horses.” Parrott is also excited that her daughter Charisse Parrott has joined as a full time member of the team. “It really is a family affair.”
Off the grid and naturally rustic, Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding has access to 100s of kilometers of picturesque crown land. Nestled on the doorstep of Algonquin Provincial Park’s western entrance, trail riding offers everyone the chance to enjoy Oxtongue’s flora and fauna, and inspiring surroundings few have the opportunity to explore.

“Once in the saddle, our guests are amazed by how peaceful and quiet traveling in the bush really is,” says Parrott. Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding is geared to preserve the natural heritage of trail riding. “Horseback riding is a green and healthy way to travel and it has a low environmental impact. To me, the best way to spend a summer’s day is on horseback – enjoying the sunshine, countryside and wildlife,” comments Parrott. “The views and colors are simply amazing.”

About Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding
Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding offers guided horseback riding from early July to autumn (weather permitting). The centre is located on 1099 Blue Spruce Road, just off Highway 60 and is walking distance from the Algonquin Inn . Algonquin Park, Dwight, Huntsville and Dorset are all within a 10-30 minute drive.
Trail riding occurs Monday to Saturday with 3 rides daily. Call 24 hours in advance to book a ride.
Rides cost $45 per person for 1.5 hour trail rides and are open to novice and experienced trail riders, age 11 and up. Once a week, a 4-hour special trail ride is held complete with a picnic lunch from Henrietta’s Bakery. Rates are $150 for the 4-hour trail ride (this includes the picnic lunch).

Being off the grid means they cannot accept credit cards or Interac, so riders are asked to please bring cash only.
All rides start with a mandatory mini-lesson that includes a brief overview of horse riding basics and trail riding etiquette. Helmets are recommended and are mandatory for anyone age 17 and younger. Heeled footwear is also recommended. Sandals are not permitted. No prior riding experience is necessary.

For more information contact:
Tracie Gower Parrott
Algonquin Highlands Trail Riding
P: 705.380.4456
E: ridealgonquin[.]hotmail.com

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Les Stroud Meets a Bull Moose in Algonquin Park

2009-07-08T11:30:00.006-04:00

Les Stroud from the Survivor man TV series talking about his experience of meeting a bull Moose in Algonquin Park in the fall rut season......not recommend.....seeing the Moose in the Spring and Summer along hwy #60 is a very different Moose to the one's in the Fall and a great deal of care and caution should be exercised stay well clear is always good advice..

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ORGANIZED EVENTS IN ALGONQUIN PARK.

2009-07-08T08:25:00.003-04:00

THIS WEEK IN ALGONQUIN PARK
We are asked by guests when they arrive at the Algonquin inn if there are any organized events in the Algonquin Park during the period of their stay, and we can can provide them the current listing of events that the Park provides us.
But even better now the Park is now publishing the events on-line.......and in advance as well, so our guests can plan ahead, as can be seen when you follow this link..http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.htmlthe list of events covers just about everything in the park from Bird walks/spotting with guides like Ron Tozar to movies at the outdoor theatre on bears etc, check it out...

EVENING PROGRAMS are presented at the Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4) and consist of a slide presentation and film about some aspect of Algonquin. If the program cannot be held outdoors (e.g., due to weather conditions), a sign is posted at the Outdoor Theatre and visitors are directed to the indoor theatre at the Algonquin Visitor Centre (at km 43).

GUIDED WALKS Join a Park Naturalist on a leisurely outing that focuses on different themes of Algonquin's natural and cultural history. Most walks last about 1.5 hours, while Evening and Night Walks (no dogs allowed) are about 2.5 hours long. Walks at the Lookout Trail and Opeongo Lookout sites require a moderate climb. For your own comfort, you may wish to bring a hat, sun block, insect repellent, and water. Sturdy hiking footwear is recommended.

PUBLIC WOLF HOWLS take place only on Thursdays in August, or in September before Labour Day when weather and accessible wolves permit.
program lasts about three hours
evening begins at the Outdoor Theatre (at km 35.4) with a slide presentation on wolf ecology AND participants receive special instructions

we travel by car (on rare occasions, we walk) to a place where wild wolves may answer the imitations given by the naturalist staff
arrive early
fill vehicle with gas
dress warmly
no dogs allowed at the Outdoor Theatre or the howl site
When in the Park, check Park bulletin boards on the day of a projected Wolf Howl for confirmation. As well, confirmation will be posted on our Website by 10:00 a.m. of the day of a projected Wolf Howl.

Algonquin inn
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Loon guided tour on Lake of Bays Muskoka

2009-07-07T08:22:00.009-04:00

I had the opportunity to ride along with two of our guests from the (the guests told me that they had a ton of "keepers"and in fact will be back for the Moose tours in the Fall) from the Algonquin inn on a guided tour with tour guide Michael Bertelson, on a Loons and chicks tour.

Up early so as to be out on the lake when the first light came out,we went out on Lake of Bays Muskoka in Michael's boat which is perfectly fitted out, it's a flat very stable john boat, with four fishing chairs that allow you to turn in a full circle without obstruction. And for the first half hour enjoyed the sun rise with the mist on the lake . (more pictures on that in another post)

It did not take Michael long to locate two Loons with it's chick, once Michael See's the Loons he shuts off the motor and let's them get use to us after a while he is able to creep in a little closer on the electric motor without disturbing them, Michael is very much aware of the Loons in respect of keeping his distance so as not to disturb or stress them in any way, and this allows us to see the natural interaction of the Loon family.

early morning mist and that first stretch of the day..... these are just a few of the shot's taken but i have so many to process i just wanted to share these,when things quieten down i will have plenty of time to work on them more in processing , i have some great one's of the adults feeding the youngster small fish and dragoon fly roe.

a fly by with a Blue Heron, as we were returning back to shore in the bright light..

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Later on in the afternoon and evening Michael took the guests and boat up to
Opeongo Lake for Moose and Loons and again they were not disapointed.

PHOTO EXHIBITION

2009-07-02T16:12:00.007-04:00

When visiting Algonquin Park always take the opportunity to stop in at the Algonquin Visitor Centre which is located at the 43 kms marker.

The Centre is run by the Friends of Algonquin Park,inside there is a the bookstore ,theatre,museum,coffee shop,with a wonderful view from the viewing deck,as well as the are always naturalist's there willing to help and and provide advise on the park.

This year in the Gallery section our friend Michael Bertelsen will be exhibiting his photography pictures of wildlife inside Algonquin Park.

Michael is our guide that provides the guiding services for guests for the Loon and Moose photography as well as for fish charter service,
so if you get the chance drop in it's well worth the time.....and check-out our guided tours as well....

Loon tours http://www.algonquininn.com/special-activities/loon-photography.htm
Moose tours http://www.algonquininn.com/special-activities/moose-photography.htm
Fishing charter service http://www.algonquininn.com/special-activities/fishing-charters.htm www.algonquininn.com
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LOONS AND CHICKS

2009-06-30T18:20:00.004-04:00

Went out on the kayak again in search of loons and their chicks,
after a short while i came across a pair of loons out with their young.

nice to see the chicks are out, these are the first ones i have seen this year .

this was at the south end of the lake,i have heard of chicks out on lake of bays as well in Muskoka,along hwy # 60.
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BULL MOOSE ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-06-28T18:29:00.008-04:00

We currently have some guests in from Australia first time to Algonquin Park and to the Algonquin inn,keen photographers and of course at the top of the list for a picture to take home would be a Moose,well as luck would have it they went out early this morning at around 7am they came across a group of cars parked by the highway in the Park at two rivers and sure enough there was a bull Moose standing in water, this is the shot i have been trying to take of a Moose in the water with an early morning mist, and every time the Moose is standing in mud......this is a great shot and thanks to David for sharing.

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oxtongue lake, sunset kayaking

2009-06-27T16:28:00.011-04:00

had the chance to do some late evening kayaking on Oxtongue lake, which is where the Algonquin inn is located,we are getting close to that time when we can expect to start to see Loon out with their young.
so i headed out with my camera hand held with the 100-400mm lens, just offshore from the inn i came across this solo Loon i guess the female must still be at the nest.

and then just around the corner on the northern end of the lake i came across this pair of baby Common Merganser's with their mom.

here is mom close by.

as soon as i got to close then the young jumped onto the back of mum for safety, but after a while they got off again but kept close to her.

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ALGONQUIN PARK BIRD REPORT

2009-06-25T07:29:00.002-04:00

Hi ONTBirders:

I spent the day at Algonquin, concentrating on the Arowhon Road areas. At the end of Arowhon Road, on the Orange Trail at Arowhon Pines, I located 10 species of warbler, including 4 NORTHERN PARULAS, 4 MAGNOLIA WARBLERS, 2 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, and 1 CANADA WARBLER. Two WINTER WRENS could be heard singing in the forest, as well as a WOOD THRUSH and a VEERY. As I was leaving, I heard three YELLOW-THROATED VIREOS singing near the restaurant and tennis court area.

I spent the remainder of the morning and early afternoon along the Old Railway, where I observed 11 warbler species, including 4 NASHVILLE WARBLERS, 2 CAPE MAY WARBLERS, 2 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS, and singles of BLACK-THROATED BLUE, BLACK-AND-WHITE, MAGNOLIA, and MOURNING WARBLERS. Five BOREAL CHICKADEES were singing and actively foraging, as well as 5 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. A family of three BROAD-WINGED HAWKS flew lazy circles above the trail, frequently calling out.

Good birding!

Pat

DIRECTIONS
from Huntsville Muskoka take hwy # 60 which will after 20 mins pass the Algonquin Inn
then on into Algonquin Park, Arowhan rd is located at the 15km marker and at the entarnce to the Mizzy Lake trail.....also a great location for Moose spotting....

Algonquin Park Birds and Moose report

2009-06-20T17:50:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Park June 15th - Birds and Moose
Posted on June 17, 2009 at 09:50:59 AM by Ontbirds

*This report was originally posted by Norm Murr on ONTBIRDS (June 17, 2009) and is provided here with the kind permission of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

Good Day Eh !

Yesterday Ian and I birded the Opeongo and Arowhon Roads ( to and at Wolf Howl Pond and West Rose Lake ) with a couple of stops in between and along with us was a 14 year old son of a friend of Ian and his wife Carol. The teenager wanted to see animals and we hopefully made that wish came true for him.

On the way along Hwy 60 east of Huntsville Muskoka was a juvenile Bald Eagle flying past just east of Hidden Valley.

Here are some of the birds we did find in Algonquin - Common Loons, Ring-necked Ducks, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker ( Visitor Centre ), Olive-sided Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, Gray Jay, Common Raven, Boreal Chickadee, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Philadelphia Vireo, many Red-eyed Vireos, 16 Warbler species including Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Pine, Blackpoll ( male at West Rose Lake ), Wilson's and Canada, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Marsh and White-throated Sparrows ( many ) Pine Siskin ( Visitor Centre ), and Purple Finch plus lots of the usual birds.

This was a great day ( not only the perfect weather ) but for Mammal and Herp sightings. WE got to see 5 moose ( 2 bulls, 2 cows and a calf ), 2 Bears, 3 Deer, Beavers, Painted and Snapping Turtles, Bull, Green and Mink Frogs.

Ian decided to head for home going south along Hwy 35 and on the way down just north of Minden we spotted a Black-backed Woodpecker A nice sighting as we missed it in Algonquin.

MOOSE LOOSE IN ALGONQUIN PARK

2009-06-17T22:17:00.008-04:00

Got up early this morning determined to see if I could locate any new Moose Calves,
as one our our guests at the Algonquin inn had spotted one yesterday.
As you can see in this shot of a Beaver lodge the lakes this morning were steaming in the early morning light, along highway # 60

It didn't take me long before I came upon a female Moose with this springs new calf in tow, only two and half kms into the Algonquin Park.

Here is Mom keeping an eye out, as the young at this age are vulnerable to bears and wolves.

Just a little further down the road, I came across these two Moose enjoying a quiet morning stroll down highway 60

A little further on I came across two Bull Moose near the highway, and as you can see now that their racks are fully developing and they are beginning to gain some serious weight and develop their summer coats. In total, I spotted 11 Moose today

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SNAPPING TURTLE

2009-06-15T22:47:00.006-04:00

Every year we have at this time Snapping turtles that come out of the lake crossing our yard looking for a nice sandy area to lay their eggs. For some reason, every year we end up with one obstinate turtle that insists on laying her eggs next to the driveway and highway, so today we again, had a determined turtle with cars getting dangerously close. We had to park one of our cars next to the turtle to protect it. The whole process took about an hour, so that once finished I was able to pick up the turtle and return it to the lake.

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WILD TURKEY@ ALGONQUIN INN

2009-06-12T19:21:00.004-04:00

I just could not figure what had been happening to the flower beds,especially right under the bird feeders,i thought it was the chipmunks or the raccoons that kept digging them up and scattering the wood chips everywhere.
and then today i noticed some guests in the restaurant pointing and taking photos mystery solved a female wild Turkey.......

female wild Turkey