JC Birding - Our Unexpected Birding Day in Algonquin Park

 Tuesday February 24, 2026

This report is written by Barb Chouinard

Jane is far away in north India birding and probably it is not as cold as here, unless she has decided to climb Anapurna or Mt Everest to see what birds are there.  We will find out when she gets back.

When we were discussing a location for our next birding outing, we learned that the MacNamara Field Naturalist Club had a great birding and nature outing to Barron Canyon on February 15 with Canada Jays, Black backed Woodpeckers, and a Great Gray Owl along the road.  Mike Runtz led the outing.

So we thought the birds would be still around so we decided to go to Barron Canyon road.  

However, it was impossible to get the online park permit processed, it did not work.  I called the park as I had a number for park admin where the last time, a real voice answered the phone call.  It still worked.  I was told, that the Barron Canyon Road was CLOSED due to the amount of snow the area got there on the weekend.  The Barron Canyon road is long and has to be cleared for the big logging trucks that mostly use it.  The Park person also asked me what kind of vehicle I was going to drive in.  I wanted to say a logging truck, but said a car or SUV.

I sent a quick message to Bill that we had to cancel Barron Canyon.  Bill suggested going to Algonquin Park along the highway 60 corridor.  Sounds good, yes, and it was a go.

This morning, at a bone chilling -17 at 7 am, Barbara and Bill and Eleanor and Barbc met up at the Eagleson Park and Ride and headed west on the 417.  We knew it was going to be a very chilly day and we were dressed for it with layers of wool and hi-tech clothes and boots, a furry hat (Eleanor), a Toque with a Pileated Woodpecker crest (Bill), a cute tuque (Barbara) and a scarf/neck warmer/headband and hood (Barbc) combination.  At the same time the temperature was -26 in Algonquin Park.  We laughed as this time, each of us had brought something good for the birds: peanuts in the shell and peanuts out of the shell, sunflower seeds and crushed cashews!

It took a while for the sun to push through the high cloud cover but the the sun changed everything.  It was a blue sky, and many trees were dusted by lots of snow.  We were west of Renfrew by then.  This was the quintessential winter picture of Canada.  The 417 was clear and highway 60 was mostly clear with a stretch that clearly still had drifting snow and ice.  We came across a car that had just driven into the ditch as a result of the icy conditions.  Someone in a truck had stopped to help and the fellow in the ditch looked like he was headed to the office with his brief case and suit jacket.  Maybe not today....

On this stretch of highway 60 we saw three Mennonite enclosed carriages (aka enclosed buggy) designed to protect from the elements and for privacy. Each one was pulled by a horse.  On the way back we only saw one enclosed buggy heading west out of Renfrew.  So that was unusual.  We hoped the horses were OK, it was cold to be out there in the elements.

We looked for birds.  There were lots of Blue Jays and American Crows. We knew we had to look for open water to see any birds on the water.   We drove into Pickwakanagan Golden Lake Reserve as it had a bit of open water at the bridge.  We saw two Common Mergansers.    We would return here to gas up on our return trip home later today.

At Whitney we saw a Common Goldeneye diving in the rushing water back of the Parkway Motel which we stayed at over the years.  Such a pretty river view there. 

At the east gate of Algonquin Park we were happy to use the warm restrooms.  There were a couple of Black capped Chickadees here but not much else.  We entered the park and it was perfect, with the snow covered trees, good cleared pavement and sunshine.  It was still cold but we were smiling and happy to be there.  At the Logging Museum parking lot, Bill who was driving spotted a Canada Jay at the top of a pine tree.  Good spotting Bill!!.  Out came the bird seed, peanuts in the shell and peanuts without the shell.  The Chickadees were keen for the food and came and ate out of our outstretched hands.  Several landed on our headgear.  Another Canada Jay showed up and several Blue Jays.  There was a feeding frenzy and the Canada Jays were watching where the peanuts were on the ground.  The peanuts out of the shell were kind of difficult for the Chickadees to manage but some of them learned quickly.  Red breasted Nuthatches also came in for seed and nuts.  My hand froze and someone else had a cold foot.  It was chilly with only a little wind. 

From here we went to Spruce Bog Trail which had a group of photographers in the parking lot.  They had not seen much: Blue Jays, Nuthatches and Chickadees.  We left some seed on the posts and took the trail in.  This area used to be a very reliable to spot Spruce Grouse.  But for the last three years or so we have not seen the birds.  On the sightings board at the Visitor Center, a Spruce Grouse had been seen but not at Spruce Bog Trail.  A Moose was also seen a day or so ago.  We met several birders/photographers along this trail and what looked like high school aged kids on a school outing.

The day was moving along.  Going up the ramp walk to the Visitor Center we stopped to look at the feeder to the back right.  There was activity there but most of the bird feeder was obscured by tree boughs.  We saw at least three male Pine Grosbeaks, several females and we thought we saw a White winged Crossbill too.  Bill took a photo but it turned out to be a Pine Grosbeak.  Inside the Visitor Center there is a stuffed Pine Grosbeak and White winged Crossbill display and the two bird species are very similar in markings but there is a huge difference in size and bill.  So it was good to see that example. 

We took our lunch bags into the Visitor Center so we could eat our lunches and sit in a warm spot with the sunshine on us and watch out for the birds at the Algonquin Park Bird Feeder just outside and below the viewing deck.  It was 11:34 am.  This is important to note as one can wave at the visitor cam and note the time and go home and view the same cam and reverse the time to 11:34 and see oneself waving like a weirdo at the birding cam.  I have done this and I saved the screen picture as jpeg and printed out the photo.  People have asked me how I got the photo: with a bit of work.  The lunch spot was so relaxing and warm in the sunshine, it was hard to leave.  I could have spent longer there, but we had to keep moving on.  They need a couple of couches there so people can have a snooze.

From here we drove west on highway 60 to the Mew Lake Campground which is open for winter camping.  We have been fortunate in past years to see Pine Martens by the refuse containers   No Pine Martin today.  Eleanor had her hands literally full with feeding Chickadees.  Bill and Barbc were walking and looking for birds and Barbara stayed warm and cozy in the SUV.  What we did see were signs warning us that there were Wolves around.  That would have been cool to see.  This campground was pretty quiet.  We took a quick look driving through the campsite road to see if there were any Pine Martins there but I did not see any occupied campsites.  Maybe the wolves have scared the campers away.

From here we headed homeward with some stops including a parking lot that reported birds seen at the Visitor Center sightings board.  By now It was the middle of the afternoon and very quiet.  It had warmed up so it was more comfortable.  We stopped in Barry’s Bay at Timms for coffee and the restrooms.  It was a very busy place.

On the drive home we stopped at any open water we saw, to check it out if any ducks etc were around.  We went to gas up at Golden Lake and from the bridge and a nearby road stop we saw several Trumpeter Swans on the open water or by the edge on the ice.  We saw 7 of them.  Further to the left of the swans, Eleanor spotted an adult Bald Eagle.  Beautiful in the sunshine.  We also saw two flocks of Rock Pigeons all puffed up in the sunshine. 

At Eganville we saw a Common Goldeneye from the pedestrian bridge by the dam. The bird was below us and even in the shade, the white on the bird was so bright and the golden eye was so prominent and bright.  Several photos were taken. 

Driving through the working farming areas east of Eganville we kept an eye out for a Northern Shrike.  Nope   We did see the one bird fly over us on the highway and we were pretty sure it was a Woodpecker.

At  Arnprior, we looked toward the dam for a Peregrine Falcon which is sometimes on the dam structure.  Nope: nobody there today.  As we headed toward Ottawa I continued to look out for a Red tailed Hawk which frequently is on one or the other side of the 417.  Finally one Red tailed Hawk was seen on the right.  We all collectively went YAHOO.  Just like 5 year olds.  Lucky our grandkids did not see us.    It was the last bird of the day for us and  the species count was   We did not have any mammals to note.

For a totally unexpected outing to Algonquin Park, it was a perfect day.   Thank you to Bill for driving us all day and thank you for the day’s photos.

Barb Chouinard

Bird List by Eleanor

1. AMCR - American Crow
2. EUST - European Starling
3. BLJA - Blue Jay
4. hawk sp. (laneway)
5. COME - Common Merganser
6. COGO - Common Goldeneye
7. BCCH - Black-capped Chickadee
8. CAJA - Canada Jay
9. RBNU - Red-breasted Nuthatch
10. Cora - Common Raven
11. PUGR - Pine Grosbeak
12. WWCR - White-winged Crossbill
13. WBNU - White - breasted Nuthatch
14. WITU - Wild Turkey
    
15. ROPI - Rock Pigeon
16. TRSW - Trumpeter Swan (7)
17. BAEA - Bald Eagle
18. (Woodpecker sp.)
19. RTHA - Red-tailed Hawk

Great Horned Owl in Greely

 February 20, 2026

Thanks to Carol for letting us know about this one.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S302034761

We went to Greely and found the nest easily.  The owl was hunkered down with only it's tail showing out the back of the nest.  We stayed for quite a while and got occasional glimpses of an ear tuft. But the owl did not sit up or turn around while we were there.

Grandview & Stoney Swamp with JC Birding

February 19, 2026

 Following up on tips from a trusted source, we met today at Hastings Street in Nepean; Alan & Carol, Eleanor, Barbc and Bill.  We had already heard that a Boreal Owl was no longer being seen, but we decided to have a quick check anyway.  So, we moved to the hockey rink park and hiked back along the tail paralleling Grandview.

 

We hiked back to the junction of Trail 10 without seeing much. Then, sharp-eyed Eleanor spotted three Pine Grosbeaks buried in the shrubs.  They were feeding on buckthorn berries.

 

Our next birding location was Davidson’s Side Road to look for a reported Great Gray Owl.  But we were too late; our source emailed that it had not been seen this morning!  We drove very slowly all the way to Beetbox Farm to turn around, mindful of the children that were arriving for their home-schooling camp.  Bill spotted 3 Wild Turkeys at the farm.

 

Next, we checked Rifle Road, Lois, Shirley and Riverdown.  There was no sign of the owl, but lots of common species.  Barbc said that we had not seen a Ruffed Grouse for a long time -then, amazingly, one was spotted almost immediately in the open in a tree.  Bill had gone ahead and driven right past it.  Eleanor called and he turned around and came back just as it flew off. Darn, no photo.  Rick and Richard also arrived, and we had a good chat until we had to move along for a vehicle.

 

We all wanted a Black-backed Woodpecker, so we went from there to P11 on Hunt Club Road where 3 had been reported the previous day, and Eleanor had seen one on Tuesday.  But not today.  We hiked both arms of the tails without a sighting, except for a skulking quiet Pileated Woodpecker.

 

We checked our phones and saw that a Black-backed Woodpecker had been reported a few minutes ago at Old Quarry Trail.  So, off we went.  We had our lunch in the parking lot before heading out.  Then we saw Janet and Margaret coming off the trail with bad news – they did not see it.  We gave it a good try anyway, but also missed it. But Janet told us of her great trip with McNamarra FN to Barron Canyon, and this gave us an idea for our next outing.

The group dispersed at this point, but Bill headed out to Akins to see the Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspur, but dipped on the Snowy Owl.

 

It was a lovely mild day to be out birding with friends.

Bird List

1.    Mallard
2.    Wild Turkey
3.    Ruffed Grouse
4.    Rock Pigeon
5.    Mourning Dove
6.    Pileated Woodpecker
7.    Blue Jay
8.    American Crow
9.    Common Raven
10.    Black-capped Chickadee
11.    White-breasted Nuthatch
12.    Red-breasted Nuthatch
13.    Pine Grosbeak
14.    Snow Bunting
15.    Lapland Longspur
16.    Dark-eyed Junco
17.    Northern Cardinal

Mud Lake and Frank Ryan with JC Birding

 February 12, 2026

 

Eleanor, Ian, Barbara & Bill met at Mud Lake at 8 am.  Ken joined us shortly afterwards, delayed by accidents on the Queensway ramps. It was a sunny day, and much milder that it had been, although cold by the water.

We hiked slowly up Cassels Road hoping to see a Hermit Thrush that had been reported, but no luck.  We turned down the main trail on the west side of Mud Lake.

Eleanor had brought sunflower seeds, and the chickadees were appreciative.  Then a pair of Downy Woodpeckers showed up and also fed from her hand.

Bill caught up to Ian and Barbara and was just telling them that a Northern Flicker had been seen, when Eleanor spotted it.  It gave us spectacular views and photo ops.

Rather than continue around Mud Lake, we thought we should go back to Cassels to look for the thrush.  Ken agreed saying that other birders were on it.  We hurried back and saw it well skulking in the dense shrubs beside the lake.

On the north side of the road, the Cedar Waxwings were much more cooperative.   There were many American Robins, too, which we speculated had over wintered.

We returned to our vehicles, then hiked down to the river.  We met Colin and Martha who reported 36 Mallards on the water and ice.  We saw a Common Goldeneye fly in and land on the river.  Ken crept closer for a photo, only to have his foot plunge through the thin ice at the edge of the shallow water and give him a soaker. He was not worried and simply carried on birding.

We slowly hiked down to Britannia Point where we saw another goldeneye and a Hairy Woodpecker.  Eleanor spotted the flicker again in a distant tree.  Back to our cars to warm up a bit and have a snack.

Bill wanted to try for the Fox Sparrow at the south-west corner of Mud Lake. (Martha had shown him the exact location).  So, we drove around and parked on Howe St and hiked a short way down the path.  White-breasted Nuthatches were common, but the Fox Sparrow did not show.

Both Ian and Ken had to go. Ian had some preparations to do for his upcoming trip to New Zealand. We wished him bon voyage. Eleanor, Barbara & Bill moved on to Elmhurst/Frank Ryan Parks. 

It was a challenge to get over the snowbank onto the trail; we helped each other over that obstacle. The Carolina Wren did not show up for us, but we were rewarded with a Barred Owl perched on top of a snag at the edge of Frank Ryan.  We wisely returned to our cars by the sidewalk to avoid the snowbank obstacle.  Bill had promised a short day, so we decided to call it at this point.  It had been a very successful morning of birding.

 

Sightings (List by Eleanor)

1.
1.    American Crow
2.    Black-capped Chickadee
3.    Downy Woodpecker
4.    Northern Flicker
5.    Hermit Thrush
6.    Cedar Waxwing
7.    American Robin
8.    European Starling
9.    Hairy Woodpecker
10.    Mallard
11.    Common Goldeneye
12.    Common Merganser
13.    White-breasted Nuthatch
14.    Barred Owl
15.    American Goldfinch
16.    Northern Cardinal