Weekend in Algonquin Provincial Park

 Mon pays, ce n'est pas un pays, c'est l'hiver."

Gilles Vigneault

     It seems at times as though COVID has been with us forever, and events that took place before it descended on us like a malevolent troll had of necessity been suspended.

     We were little short of ecstatic, therefore, when we were able to resume our annual tradition of a weekend in Algonquin Provincial Park. The organization of it went seamlessly, the accommodation was secured and enthusiastic participants signed up for the trip.

04 March, 2023

Leader: David M. Gascoigne

Participants: Miriam Bauman, Andrew Cudmore, Caroline Cudmore, Sam Cudmore, Lisa Den Besten, Victoria Ho, Tracey Rayner, Selwyn Tomkun, Melanie Turenne, Andrew Wesolowski, Lorraine Wesolowski, Judy Wyatt

      

Sam, Mel, Caroline, Tracey, Lorraine, Andrew, David, Judy, Victoria, Selwyn, Andrew, Lisa

     The day before we left the worst storm of the winter hit southern Ontario and it was a tough start. I shovelled my driveway and sidewalk twice the night before, and again the next morning before leaving. Judy, brave warrior that she is, gave me a hand to finish off when she arrived, and Miriam pitched in too. The total snowfall was around 30cm.

     Here is a shot Andrew Wesolowski took from his apartment to give you an idea of the conditions.

     The first part of our journey was a little tricky, but once we got onto Highway 400 and proceeded north from Toronto, it was not bad at all.

     We all met up at the Visitor Centre for lunch. It was really quite remarkable that we arrived within about twenty minutes of each other, three contingents from the Kitchener-Waterloo area, and one from Ottawa.

Dining Room at the Visitor Centre - Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

     The view from the Visitor Centre balcony was classic Algonquin. It was not for nothing that Canada's legendary Group of Seven spent so much time here.

     Lunch finished, washroom breaks taken, and with everyone raring to go, we headed out to the Spruce Bog, travelling the classic landscape of the Canadian Shield.

Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

      There had been reports of Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus), an extreme rarity and a park specialty. Our hopes were high!

     As might be expected, however, we were first greeted by Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), its common and more widespread cousin.

     The snow was crisp and white - and deep.

     Caroline wasted no time in stretching out her hand with seed.

     Success was not long in coming.

     Lisa was quick to give it a try too.

     As we proceeded along, Sam, with a matter-of-fact tone to his voice, said as he looked at a chickadee, "It's a Boreal!" Excited birders crowded around, giddy with excitement, and Andrew got a picture.

     

     Lisa had said that the mere glimpse of this bird would make her whole weekend so in short order she had cemented her contentment.

     On a very cold day with strong wind, the Spruce Bog Trail can be a real challenge, but in balmy, sunny weather it is beautiful beyond belief.

     Mostly we had strong sunlight and the temperature around minus two to zero, and it was glorious. It reinforced the wonderful privilege of living in the north.

     Not to be outdone, Selwyn tried his hand at feeding the birds, arm outstretched in anticipation.

     Victoria is right behind, camera cocked and ready, poised to capture the moment.

     When we left the Spruce Bog Trail we set off for the Opeongo Road, where the promise of Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) is always a lure.

     It looks as though Sam has strategically positioned himself between his mom and dad.

     I remember in times past when Canada Jay would appear upon the mere sound of a sandwich being unwrapped. They are quick to take advantage of humans and not for nothing did they earn the colloquial name of Camp Robber.

     It is a simply adorable bird; there is no other word for it.

     Andrew Cudmore was also able to get a terrific shot of a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens).

     American Marten (Martes americana) is quite common in Algonquin Provincial Park, but is often secretive. Every so often, however, an individual will discover that contact with humans can yield a steady source of food, and it becomes less wary. Martens are notoriously omnivorous so they will accept pretty much anything humans leave for them, including bird seed and cat food; even a muffin or two.

     It is an exceptionally beautiful creature, and this one seemed to be in peak condition.

     It was the source of a good deal of admiration from all who saw it.

     Sam got down to its level to get his best shot.

     Usually, Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) is quite common at the feeders at the Visitor Centre, but they had not been there earlier, so we returned to try our luck again. Victoria especially was anxious to see them, but we were unable to deliver for her.

     The best we could manage was a Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) on the roof, but she was delighted with that discovery, a lifer for her.

     The moon was rising and it was time to make our way to Spring Lakes Resort, our home for the night.

     Moose (Alces alces) is one of the signature species of Algonquin, but is most frequently seen in the spring when hordes of biting insects drive them from the forest into more open areas where wind helps to disperse their tormentors.

     There is always a possibility to see them at any time of the year, however.

Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

     Caroline, Andrew, Sam and Mel, travelling in the same car, lucked out. Deep among the trees they spotted a female with two calves. The picture is not great, but it was the best Andrew could do given the distance and the number of intervening trees.

      Algonquin Provincial Park is huge, and it is about a forty-five minute drive from the Visitor Centre to Spring Lake Resort.

Photos: Andrew Wesolowski

     In no time at all we had checked into our very comfortable rooms for the night and organized our pot luck dinner in our room. Caroline brought homemade soup, we took cheeses, pâté and crackers, Lisa had a shrimp ring, Lorraine devilled eggs, guacamole, nachos, Victoria a bean salad - and there was much more. We took wine, Caroline and Andrew brought wine and beer. It was a feast!

     As you know, Venus and Jupiter are at their closest conjunction until 2039, and they shone brightly in the night sky, easy to see. Andrew W. memoralized the event for all of us.

     It had been a great day. Time to go to sleep and think about tomorrow!

05 March, 2023

     Judy's contribution is always breakfast in her room. She makes copious quantities of coffee, and she brought three kinds of muffins, including my favourite Morning Glory muffins, of which hers are the best in the universe. Mel in addition brought muffins and a fruit salad. There was lots to eat and even coffee to take away, with many muffins still left for snacking all morning! 

     Everyone was delighted with breakfast, and we owe Judy a special vote of thanks for taking on this chore every time we have made this trip.

     We decided that we would return to the Spruce Bog before going anywhere else to see whether we could get better views and better pictures of Boreal Chickadee. Off we went!

Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

     To no-one's surprise the first bird to greet us was Black-capped Chickadee.

     We did not have to venture far along the trail, however, when we saw at least three Boreal Chickadees and according to some, five.

     This species if far more flighty than Black-capped Chickadee, and settles less frequently, but Miriam managed a couple of decent shots.

     We were well pleased with our success.

     This Hairy Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus villosus) had some form of growth on its feet - fungal perhaps.

     At this point it appeared not to be hampered unduly by this affliction, but I have been unable to determine precisely what the ailment is or what causes it. I was able to find one report from southern Ontario of a bird that presented at a feeder with a similar condition, that was sluggish, and went on to develop small growths around the eyes and ragged feathers. It then disappeared and was not seen again. Ultimately one would assume that this condition would be fatal. If anyone can offer more insight I would love to hear from you. 

     

     Our gang of happy birders was enchanted with the Boreal Chickadees but derived pleasure too from a Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis).

     Birders are not hard to please.

Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

     All that remained now was to drop back at the Visitor Centre to see whether the Evening Grosbeaks had decided to come and visit with Victoria. 

     The Fates were smiling, the sun was shining, the air was clear - and there they were!

     Victoria was certainly being spoiled!

     Some even gathered at a feeder so that she would not have to peer between branches.

     A Downy Woodpecker had to play second fiddle, I'm afraid.

     Several American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) had found the feeders and, opportunistic as always, were determined to take advantage of a free lunch.

     The only place we saw American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) was at the Visitor Centre.

     The ever irrepressible Selwyn could not resist performing an impromtu ballet for the camera mounted on the viewing deck.

Photos: Andrew Wesolowski

     Victoria declined to join in and form a partnership to rival "Dancing with the Stars," much to our dismay!

     Andrew was intent on something.

Photo: Andrew Wesolowski

     There is a case to be made that Canada Jay is more emblematic of Algonquin Provincial Park than any other species, and I never fail to remember the seminal (and pioneering) studies of this species conducted by Dan Strickland.

     It is an intimate act of communion with nature to feed one.

     The day was glorious and one was glad to be keeping company with Canada Jays.

     One is always enough, but two is always better.

     Our final stop before leaving for home was the Logging Museum.

     It was right around lunchtime and we all shared the copious quantities of food left over from the previous night.

     A Hairy Woodpecker came to pay a visit and we were happy to note that its feet were unencumbered by disease.

     White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is less common in the north than Red-breasted Nuthatch so it was delightful to see this individual.

     Appropriately, a couple of Canada Jays flew in to bid us goodbye.

     What a fitting end to a wonderful weekend.