Day 10 (17 May)

After a long overnight drive we pulled into the West gate at Algonquin just after 6 am. Pulling into the virtually empty car park, Phil spotted several Evening Grosbeaks. We found at least 7 of these beauties around the parking lot. After sorting out our day permit we made our way to the Peck Lake trail.

It was a short and pleasant walk round the lake, and with a Great Northern Diver singing it was very atmospheric. Several Hermit Thrushes could be heard but none showed, and Pileated Woodpeckers were just as unco-operative. 3 Black Ducks were found and a ring-tailed Northern Harrier flew past with a large snake in its talons.

We returned to the West Gate to seek directions to the old railroad trail that bisects the Mizzy Lake trail, which wasn’t marked on the parks maps. This was reputed to be an excellent site for Grey Jay and Boreal Chickadee. Whilst a pleasant walks, we failed to score with either target species.

A walk round the Spruce Bog boardwalk failed to provide anything new – though Rob did manage to upset one of the local Red Squirrels! We’re not sure how, but he did require the rest of us to act as bodyguards / a screen to get past it. It was over to the Visitor Centre for lunch where a pair of Evening Grosbeaks were found as we pulled into the car park. 

We then drove over to Whitney to find accommodation for the night. Michael had recommended the Mad Musher, where we were able to get a dorm for 4.

Back into the Park, we birded the Opeongo Road, with no luck before revisiting the Spruce Board Walk. The trail was much quieter than early and we stopped to watch a pair of Beaver, one of which swam quite close.  It was one of those magical moments, a clear blue sky, no wind, pleasant temperature, the sky reflected in the slow moving stream, and two Beavers going about their daily business, quite unconcerned by our presence.  

Carrying on, we came across a bit of avian activity. Both Martins got onto a pair of Golden Crowned Kinglets, whilst Phil and Rob were working through a small party of chickadees. Unfortunately they were all Black-capped. Nice, but not the hoped for Boreal.  As we approached the end of the trial MJB and Rob (sticking close to Martin’s side in case he was mugged by a passing squirrel) found a Pileated Woodpecker feeding at the base of a tree. The pecker saw them and flew of, directly over Phil and MB’s heads.