Date: 02/19/2016

Number: 1

Additional signs of impending spring were detected this week, amid the
continuing spectacular winter conditions and scenery.

The first Gray Jay nest-construction activity observed in the Park this year
was on the 19th. Data from Dan Strickland's 45-year Gray Jay research
project in Algonquin show the average first date of nest-building was
February 19 over the last ten years, ranging from February 14 (2001) to 28
(2009).

Courtship-feeding by a pair of Pine Siskins at a feeder near Oxtongue Lake
(west of the Park) on the 22nd indicated the onset of nesting may soon occur
in that species. The earliest ever observation of Pine Siskin nest-building
in Algonquin was on March 20 (1990).

Forwarded by Don Davis

Algonquin Park, ON

Latitude: 45.8 Longitude: -78.7

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.