This was our first trip to Southern Ontario and Ottawa. We had moose on our mind because we haven’t seen one in a few years and the Algonquin Park boasts a population of 3,000.

We crossed the St. Lawrence River into Canada and headed north to Ottawa stopping at the Wild Bird Care Centre trails. As soon as we entered the hiking trail Black-capped Chickadees flew right in. When Mike extended his hand one immediately landed on him. They seemed to follow us wherever we went and we noticed a few hikers carrying bags of birdseed. Aha, the mystery was solved.

While hiking the trail we saw quite a few large black squirrels. After researching them later we found they are actually a subgroup of the Gray Squirrel. These are quite common in some parts of the U.S. and eastern Canada. A huge flock of Wild Turkeys grazing in the meadow along the way seemed not to be bothered by us at all. Several White-breasted Nuthatches came over for seed and an Ovenbird near the parking lot was the last bird on this stop.

• 

• 

Next stop was the very popular Andrew Haydon Park on the Ottawa River overlooking the Quebec province. Hikers, photographers, school children, and bird watchers are all enjoying the park on this beautiful fall day while sailboats cruise out on the river. Common birds seen here are Canada Goose, Mallard, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch and Song Sparrow.

The hotel we choose was the Albert Bay Suites which is located in downtown Ottawa, Canada’s national capital. The real beauty of this area is how the historical architecture at Parliament Hill mixes with the modern buildings nearby. Also within a short walk is the well-known Byward Market Square with its many shops and restaurants. Every type of cuisine you can imagine is available here. We especially like the French influence from nearby Quebec. The best find of our trip was the 25 cent oysters at The Vineyards Bistro. This a very cool basement wine bar. Of course, for dessert, the maple Beaver tails are a Canadian tradition. 

• 

• 

Algonquin Park

Early the next morning we headed west on the Trans-Canada highway to Algonquin Park in search of the elusive moose. It is a relaxing three hour drive through farmlands and small towns of southeastern Ontario. Algonquin is a very large park with almost 3,000 square miles, so the chances of seeing a moose are pretty good, but not great. There are many great hiking trails through the forests and along the many lakes and rivers.

Since we have just one day here our first stop is the visitor’s center to get the scoop on the most recent sightings. Park personnel recommend we try Cache Lake where several were seen late the previous afternoon. On the way, we stop to hike the Spruce Bog trail which is a short loop trail through the woods and on boardwalks across the bog. Birds seen here are the Pileated Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and White-throated Sparrow.

While at Cache Lake we met up with two photographers who have spent some time searching the area for our moose. Alas, the moose have moved on and are not to be seen this day. So we have one more target bird on the list. This would be the Canada Jay who’s name was officially changed this year from the Gray Jay. Driving slowly down Lake Opeongo road we look closely and stop at a few places to listen and scope the landscape with our binoculars without success. To our surprise, as a cold rain starts to fall, we spot a small bird hopping along the roadside. Sure enough here is our first Canada Jay actually seen in Canada.

This is a perfect ending to our trip to Algonquin. We promise ourselves that we will be back for the elusive moose, only next time an overnight stay at one of the park lodges is a must.

We took a different route back to New York and crossed the Thousand Island Bridge. This flooded me with memories of my childhood visits to Stony Point, NY. Ottawa is a place we look forward to birding again, especially during warbler migration.

Trip Birds:  23  Life Birds: 0

Next up: Gainesville Birding & Football