Ottawa Area Birding: FULL DAY ~ Amherst Island

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

FULL DAY ~ Amherst Island – Kingston with Tony & Nina

Thursday Nov 7

We met at 5:45 am at the Coliseum. Elena and I drove with Al, while Josh and Karen drove with Tony and Nina. We met Geoff and Lorraine at the Brophy Park & Ride and proceed to the ferry. Once across, we linked up with Robin & Pat, who have a vacation home on the island.

We scanned the water by the ferry dock for scoters and Bufflehead. Then we drove straight across Stella 40 Foot Rd, stopping to view an American Kestrel.

We turned onto S Shore Rd, passing Robin & Pat's place. We stopped a couple of times to view the ducks and grebes on Lake Ontario, then turned up Marshall 40 Foot Rd to Owl Woods.

We donned our boots and hiked in carefully looking at all trees for perched owls. It was cool and windy, but there was no rain; those who were well dressed were fine, but Karen got wet feet and Pat was cold. We saw no owls until we had been inside the woods for some time. Suddenly, Josh came face to face with a Long-eared Owl. But the minute the owl knew it had been seen, it took of quickly. We followed it once more, but it flew again and Tony said we were bothering it and had to stop.

After that, we returned to our cars to have lunch, but Robin and Pat generously offered to let us eat at their house and use their bathroom. Pat even brewed some coffee and tea for those who wanted it.

After a good chance to warm up, we got back in the cars and patrolled the roads, seeing several more raptors. We headed for Front Road around dusk to look for Short-eared Owls, but they did not show. A cold and tried bunch, we headed for the 5 pm ferry and the long drive home. Thanks to Al for driving the whole way!