Reading through the ontbirds.ca message board (whew)... this post written at peak fall color by an Algonquin naturalist showed up, describing the sparrow migration passing through at the time. Other fall birding reports included tree and fox sparrow sightings at the Lake of Two Rivers airfield, making for a total of eight sparrow species that could be seen here.
Other fall sightings here reported arctic migrants (American pipit, lapland longspur), horned lark, and long-eared owls.
Other fall birding hotspots included the old railway near the Arowhon road (Mizzy lake trail), and the large marsh on lake Travers.
Quote:
[Ontbirds] Birds in Algonquin Park this Week
Lev Frid
Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:02:18 -0700
Hello Birders,
Autumn color is at peak here in Algonquin, and so is the sparrow migration.
While the warblers have slowed right down here in Algonquin, they have now
been replaced by large numbers of sparrows, which are now common in any
open area, even along the highway. White-crowned, White-throated have been
seen in numbers, with smaller numbers of Lincoln’s and Savannah
Sparrowsand this is the time to look for Nelson’s Sparrow and LeConte’s Sparrow in
wet, grassy areas. Try the south end of the Old Airfield and the Two Rivers
Marsh for these two, or Lake Travers Marsh on the East Side. We will report
if any are seen.
Finches in the Park have been interesting. There were no reports of either
crossbill this week, but the park is being slowly infiltrated by Pine
Siskins, with flocks being seen on the 25th and occasional flyover birds
through the week. Evening Grosbeak is also around, with two birds in the
Visitor Centre parking lot this morning.
A young Northern Cardinal was at Canoe Lake Access Point on the 25th – a
very rare bird in the Park. They do not breed here and are only detected
very infrequently as dispersing individuals. A Pied-billed Grebe was at
West Rose Lake on the 26th – another uncommon bird for the Park.
Specialty birds are as follows:
Spruce Grouse: The best place has been Opeongo Road, where almost ever day
this week there have been up to three birds, including a male. The best
place along this road is adjacent to the big Tamarack (Larch) tree on the
east side of the road past the gate.
Gray Jay: Reports of this friendly jay are streaming in every day, from
birders and non-birders alike, as the birds are now approaching people for
food. The best places have been the North end of Mizzy Lake Trail, Opeongo
Road past the gate and the Algonquin Logging Museum.
Boreal Chickadee: Multiple birds were seen on the 25th at the North end of
Mizzy Lake Trail at Wolf Howl Pond, and at West Rose Lake as well. This is
the best spot for them at this point. They have also been along Opeongo
Road past the bridge, but not as reliably. You’ll hear them before you see
them.
Black-backed Woodpecker: No reports this week. Try the North end of Mizzy
Lake trail, the Spruce Bog Boardwalk, or the Western Uplands Backpacking
Trail entrance.