There were fewer birds and fewer birders during the last two weeks compared to earlier this month. Persisting snow cover arrived (Nov 22). The Opeongo Road winter gate was still open as of yesterday. The Visitor Centre feeders are not operating yet but are expected to be soon. SPRUCE GROUSE – a male was photographed along Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Nov 20). BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER – observed along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed and Spruce Bog Boardwalk (Nov 20). CANADA JAY – reported at Mizzy Lake Trail railbed, Spruce Bog Boardwalk and Opeongo Road north of the winter gate. BOREAL CHICKADEE – no sightings. The only reports this fall were singles at the long boardwalk on Bat Lake Trail (Sep 21) and Opeongo Road at the parking lot near the winter gate (Oct 18). BOHEMIAN WAXWING – a few continue to be observed, including three at the Old Airfield (Nov 15) and one at the Visitor Centre (Nov 22). EVENING GROSBEAK – no reports. PINE GROSBEAK – small numbers continue to be seen, with birds along Highway 60 being noted more often in the early morning. COMMON REDPOLL – a few reported regularly, mostly as heard flyovers. RED CROSSBILL – reported on four days (from Nov 15 to 26), with highest number at one location being 16. Look for crossbills along the highway in the early morning. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL – reported on two days (from Nov 15 to 26), with highest number at one location being 6. PINE SISKIN – single reported along Mizzy Lake Trail railbed (Nov 20). DIRECTIONS: Algonquin Provincial 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). The Visitor Centre exhibits and bookstore at km 43 are open on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. The Visitor Centre is also open with limited services on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Get your park permit and Information Guide (with a map showing birding locations mentioned above) at the East Gate, West Gate or Visitor Centre. Locations are also described at: www.algonquinpark.on.ca Ron Tozer, Algonquin Park Naturalist (retired), Dwight, ON