Originally posted to OntBirds, a service of the Ontario Field Ornithologists.

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MOST RECENT OBSERVATIONS:

The warm temperatures, extensive areas of bare ground, and some open water developing in creeks encouraged the arrival of more migrants by week's end. There is still lots of snow in shaded woods, however.

Arrivals this week included:
Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, Herring Gull, American Robin, American Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle and Brown-headed Cowbird.

An adult Bald Eagle was perched in a tree near Long Lake between the West Gate and the Boundary on March 14 and 15.

Spruce Grouse, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee have been seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk.

The White-throated Sparrow that spent the winter at the Visitor Centre, but had not been observed since late February, was seen again there this week.

A male Evening Grosbeak was at the Visitor Centre feeders on March 16 and 17.

MAMMALS

At least one Marten continues to be fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders.

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

Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON

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The Algonquin Visitor Centre (at Km 43) has recent bird sightings, feeders, and information. THE VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10:00 a.m. TO 5:00 p.m. TO MARCH 21, after which it will open:

• March 27 & 28 [weekend, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.]
• April 2 to April 5 [daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.]
• April 10 to April 18 [weekends, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.]
• April 24th to June 24th [daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.]

The Sunday Creek Café (the restaurant located in the Visitor Centre) is CLOSED until further notice. We apologize to our visitors for any inconvenience.

During this temporary closure, snack bars as well as hot and cold beverages are available for sale.

Restaurant facilities are available only outside the Park during the winter season – in Whitney and beyond to the east, and in Oxtongue Lake, Dwight, and beyond to the west.

Tables, chairs and recycling/trash containers are available in the Visitor Centre during operating hours for visitors with a packed lunch.