Wednesday, March 10, 2010

March 2010 - Winter Bear Research in Algonquin Park

During March, Dr Marty Obbard, Research Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is searching Algonquin Park for hibernating female bears and their offspring.


Dr Obbard and his research crew will be tranquilizing female bears that produced cubs during 2009 to assess mother and offspring's health. "Some yearlings we will be visiting will be fitted with expandable radio-collars so we can monitor their survival and movements in and possibly outside the Park" says Obbard.

Canadian comedian Rick Mercer joins Dr Obbard as they conduct bear research in Algonquin Park (2009 footage):


Click here:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz4iXyIYvgk

Monday, March 8, 2010

Birds in Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park Birding Update: 4 March 2010

Beautiful spring-like weather often prevailed this week but in the almost total absence of open water or bare ground there was no indication of migrants on the Algonquin Highlands. That should change in the next few days with the arrival of the first American Crows.

Gray Jays continued to be seen at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, the Visitor Centre and Opeongo Road at the gate. Researchers had located at least 11 nests under construction by week's end

The White-throated Sparrow at the Visitor Centre feeder all winter was last seen on February 25. Milder temperatures likely stimulated it to move elsewhere.

What may be the last Pine Grosbeaks were two at the West Gate on February 27. In winters of low numbers like this, the first pulse of sustained warmer weather in late February or early March often coincides with their disappearance northward.

The big flock of American Goldfinches persisted at the Visitor Centre feeders.

Evening Grosbeaks are still present in Whitney, east of Algonquin.

American Marten: one or two are fairly regular at the Visitor Centre feeders now and likely to be seen by anybody who stays for awhile.

We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records.
 
From:
Ron Tozer
Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired)
Dwight, ON