Ottawa Area Birding: Amherst Island with Tony Beck

Monday, March 18, 2013

Amherst Island with Tony Beck

March 14, 2013 6 am to 6 pm

I went to Rick's in Manotick, as did Bob. We decided to go in Rick's truck and meet the rest of the group at the ferry. It was a difficult drive because of the blowing snow. There were several cars in the ditch along with a couple of transport trucks. However. we arrived in good time, having left early.

Antonia and Pavel came shortly after us, as did a third car with Jim and three other photographers. Tony finally arrived as the ferry was about to depart. With him were Nina, Josh and Lucille.

The weather was brutal throughout the day, because of the cold temperatures and particularly the strong wind. We attempted to drive in to Owl Woods, but did not get far. Our way was blocked by a huge snow bank, so we parked and hoofed it.

In spite of the wintry conditions, we did see some sings of spring - American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds.

There were no small owls in Owl Woods and we were fortunate to see a Barred Owl. On our way out, most of saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker, but it flew without us getting a photo.

We saw about five Snowy Owls, all distant on the ground, but one. There were good numbers of Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks, and several Northern Harriers and American Kestrels.

We had a close encounter with an American Mink, and saw a couple of River Otters frolicking on the ice at the ferry terminus. We stayed until 6 pm, but it was still too light for any Short-eared Owl sightings.