Well above freezing temperatures and rain on several days this week kept the big lakes wide open and melted away nearly all the snow. Very unusual for this date on the Algonquin Highlands. Common Loon: Adult on Lake of Two Rivers on December 13. Late. European Starling: One at Visitor Centre feeders. Ties latest fall date ever in Algonquin. BOREAL SPECIES: Spruce Grouse: Male at Spruce Bog Boardwalk on December 13. Black-backed Woodpecker: three seen along Opeongo Road on December 10 and one there on December 13. Gray Jay: seen regularly along Opeongo Road, at Spruce Bog Boardwalk, at the Visitor Centre and at the Logging Museum. Boreal Chickadee: Three on Arowhon Road about 1 km north of the old railway on December 13. FINCHES: Pine Grosbeak: five at km 53 on Highway 60 on December 10 and one flying over Opeongo Road on December 13. White-winged Crossbill: a total of about 50 during a day of birding along Highway 60 on December 10. Flock of 20 over Opeongo Road on December 13. Red Crossbill: 10 feeding on white pine cones at the entrance to Lake of Two Rivers Campground and one flying over Wolf Howl Pond on December 10. Common Redpoll: a total of about 50 during a day of birding along Highway 60 on December 10. Pine Siskin: a total of about 140 during a day of birding along Highway 60 on December 10. American Goldfinch: 30 near East Gate on December 10. Evening Grosbeak: at least 30 are coming to the Visitor Centre feeders regularly, especially in the morning. MAMMALS: A Marten is visiting the suet feeders at the Visitor Centre occasionally. We would appreciate receiving your bird observations for our Visitor Centre records. Ron Tozer Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired) Dwight, ON Directions: Algonquin Park is three hours north of Toronto, via Highways 400, 11 and 60. Follow the signs which start in Toronto on Highway 400. >From Ottawa, take Highway 17 to Renfrew, then follow Highway 60 to the park. Kilometre markers along Highway 60 in the Park go from the West Gate (km 0) to near the East Gate (km 56). Get your park permit and the park tabloid (with a map of birding locations mentioned here) at the gates. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca The Visitor Centre at km 43 has recent bird sightings, feeders and information. The centre will be open on weekends only until December 27, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre restaurant will not be open this winter but visitors are welcome to bring a packed lunch and use the seating area. Hot and cold beverages, and light snacks are available to purchase, as well as the use of a microwave. Birders visiting during the week may be able to enter the Visitor Centre to view the feeders and exhibits. Check in with staff to find out what birds are being seen.