Bruce Di Labio's Blog: October 30, 2011 Algonquin Park Birding

Sunday, October 30, 2011

October 30, 2011 Algonquin Park Birding

Hi Ontbirders

The birding today was very good with a number of the Algonquin Park specialties being found at various locations. Gray Jay were numerous with 3 along Opeongo Lake Road, 2 at Spruce Bog Trail, 4 along Mizzy Lake Trail/Old Railway bed and 2 near Mew Lake Road. Boreal Chickadee was found a Wolf Howl Pond and Spruce Bog Trail. We found a total 6 Spruce Grouse along Arowhon Road/Old Railway bed including a group of 5 feeding together. A female Black-backed Woodpecker was found at Wolf Howl Pond along with 2 Fox Sparrow. The biggest surprise was a Red-headed Woodpecker that flew over Wolf Howl Pond. Unfortunately we couldn't relocate it. At Lake of Two Rivers we observed 2 Horned Grebe, 11 Ring-necked Duck and 10 Hooded Merganser. Finches were scarce with 2 Purple Finch, 4 American Goldfinch and a flock of 40+ Pine Siskin. On our drive back to Ottawa a flock of 400+ Brant were observed flying over near Arnprior.

Good Birding, Bruce

Directions: Courtesy Ron Tozer

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 will be open on weekends only after this weekend
(October 29-30) from 9 am to 5 pm. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter via the service entrance (right end of building) to view the feeders, after checking in with staff first.

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

Fall colours along Hwy. 60

Gray Jay preening.

Gray Jay

Red-breasted Nuthatches were easy to locate in the park.

Spruce Grouse

Part of a group of 5 Spruce Grouse

Spruce Grouse.

Male Spruce Grouse.

Male spruce Grouse

A Red Fox greeted us at the east gate.

Early morning in Algonquin Park.

Old Railway bed.

First snow fall in Algonquin Park.

Anyone who knows Ben, shoes aren't required for birding!

1 comment:

Brightcetera said...: I was born in Pembroke and still have friends on the B-line road. I should invite myself up for a visit. :)
The last time, everyone took me to the Barron Canyon. Have you been there?
Ralf & Fran and Kim & Arne are both surrounded by trees on their properties with farm outback. There's lots of activity going on up there.
I saw my first Pileated out Fran's window. She hangs suet from the butcher on a big hook which attracts them. It was a sight to see!
Algonquin Park was where my dad had his first job when he came to Canada back in '52 ... as a lumberjack back when that was a romantic thing to do and you did it by hand to boot.

Take care and happy birding!; November 6, 2011 at 1:03 AM

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Sunday, October 30, 2011

October 30, 2011 Algonquin Park Birding

1 comment:

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