Bruce Di Labio's Blog: Amherst Island Birrrrrrrrr-ding

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Amherst Island Birrrrrrrrr-ding

I spent the past two days birding Amherst Island.

Important information about the Amherst Island Ferry.

Frontenac II - the ferry to Amherst Island
arriving at the dock on the mainland.

Weather conditions were highly variable including snow, wind and extremely cold temperatures. Despite all of that, the birding was excellent.

The shores of Lake Ontario on January 13, 2009.
Conditions were far from ideal for our owling trip!

Even Snow Buntings, who live in the
arctic, were having a hard time!

Yesterday, January 13th we observed 6 Northern Saw-whets, 3 Boreals, 9 Long-eared and 4 Short-eared Owls. Open field birding was difficult due to the blowing snow but 5 Snowy Owls were observed late in the afternoon after conditions had changed.

A Boreal Owl with snow sticking to the back
of its head. Fortunately this one was smart
enough to face away from the blowing snow!

This Northern Saw-whet Owl was facing INTO
the blowing snow! I guess by being covered in
blowing snow he blends in well with the tree.

A relaxing afternoon on the island, despite the cold!

Today, January 14th, it was a clear, cold morning, -25C, but a great morning in the "Owl Woods." A total of 5 Northern Saw-whets, 1 Boreal, 19 Long-eared and 8 Short-eared Owls were observed.

The ferry arriving at Millhaven on January 14, 2009.
Every day is different on Amherst Island, particularly
when it comes to the weather.

A photo of the new wind turbines that have been installed
on Wolfe Island. This photo was taken from Amherst Island.

What a difference a day makes! The frozen
shores of Lake Ontario on January 14, 2009.

A beautiful cold, crisp morning at
the entrance to the Owl Woods.

The first tracks are from an Eastern Cottontail.

Time for a party on the bench! Donations for
the Owl Woods feeders are greatly appreciated.

That's not sweat on my feathers!
A Boreal Owl in the Owl Woods.

MINI-QUIZ
This is a photo of Long-eared Owls in the Owl Woods today.
How many do you see?
Post your answer in the comments!

Today was a much nicer day, weather-wise.

A Short-eared Owl in flight.

Northern Saw-whet Owl
A bit of a change from yesterday!

Camouflage is very important for owls.
There is one here...a Long-eared Owl.
Can you spot it?

An immature Snowy Owl with a drooping right wing.
It appears to be able to fly okay.

Other species included, a few small flocks of White-winged Crossbills, 1 Northern Shrike, 1 Hermit Thrush and 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker. A quick check of the island roads produced 14 Snowy Owl, 27 Rough-legged and 21 Red-tailed Hawk, 3 Northern Harrier, 3 American Kestrel, 1 Northern Shrike and 70 Snow Bunting. Access to the "Owl Woods" by car, was only from the South Shore Rd.

Everyone came out today! A male
Northern Cardinal feeding on natural food.

Remember your birding ethics - obey signs and respect
private property and the rules of the place you're visiting.

Good birding,
Bruce

Directions: Amherst Island: Located 18 km. west of Kingston. Exit off Hwy. 401 at exit 593 (County Rd. 4, Camden East) and drive south to the very end (Millhaven). Turn right on Hwy. 33 and drive 100 metres until you see the sign for the Amherst Island ferry. The ferry (20 minute trip) leaves the mainland on the half hour and leaves the island on the hour. Cost is $8.00 Canadian round trip. There are no gas stations on the island. There are restrooms on the ferry, and at the island ferry dock. The East End K.F.N. property is at the easternmost part of the island on the east side of the Lower Forty Foot Road. To reach the Owl Woods, turn left (east) at the four-way stop sign by the general store and drive 3.4 km along Front Rd. to the (seasonal) Marshall Forty-Foot Rd. Marshall Forty-Foot Rd. is across the road from house #2320. Drive along Marshall Rd. to the mid-way point, where there is an "S" in the road (1.2 km, look for the K.F.N. kiosk which had owl observing ethics). Park in the gravel lane or off the road edge. Because of liability issues, visitors to the Kingston Field Naturalists' property at the east end of Amherst Island MUST be accompanied by a KFN member. For KFN contact information or how to become a member, please visit http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/.

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Birding Ethics

Ontario Field Ornithologists' Ethical Birding Principles
As the number of birders increases, we must all make every effort to act in a positive and responsible way. We must also convey responsible image to non-birders who may be affected by our activities. Most people appreciate birds but this appreciation can be quickly destroyed by the irresponsible actions of a handful of birders.

In the past a code of ethics was not considered necessary, but times have changed and as more and more pressure is put on our environment it is essential to do whatever we can to lead by example. Each of us must show consideration to other birders, landowners, habitat, birds and other wildlife at all times. We are ambassadors of birding and our actions today will reflect the respect we receive in the future.

The welfare of the birds must come first.
Whatever your interest, from scientific study to listing, always consider the impact of your activity on the bird. Respect bird protection laws. We are all responsible to ensure we abide by them at all times.

Habitat protection.
Habitat is vital for the existence of birds and we must ensure that our activities cause minimum damage to our environment. Use trails to avoid trampling vegetation.

Keep disturbance to a minimum.
Although some birds can tolerate human activity, this varies from species to species and from season to season. Use common sense and extreme caution around nests. Migrants may be tired and hungry and should not be kept from resting or feeding. When photographing birds, study their reaction and if they become agitated, back off. Avoid the use of flash photography on owls. Tape recordings and similar methods of attracting birds may cause stress for territorial birds. They should be used sparingly and avoided in heavily birded areas. Do not deliberately flush birds. Patience is often rewarded.

Rare breeding birds.
If you discover a rare breeding bird, do not feel under any obligation to report your find to other birders. Record the details of your discovery. You may wish to file the nest with the Ontario Nest Records Scheme at the Royal Ontario Museum. Avoid visiting known sites of rare breeding birds unless they can be viewed from a distance without disturbance.

Rare birds.
Rare migrants or vagrants are the species most sought after by birders. If you discover a rarity, consider the circumstances carefully before releasing the information. You must take responsibility for the decision to release the find. You should consider whether an influx of birders will disturb the bird, people or other species in the area; whether habitat will be damaged; and where people will park. Inform the landowner of the find, explain what may happen and obtain permission to tell other birders. Ask the landowner for a list of dos and don'ts, for example, where birders may stand to get a good view and what restrictions there may be on time of day. Also ask which areas are off limit. If you decide to release the news, give precise directions and instructions. If possible include a phone number. At all times make as little noise as possible. Remember, most non-birders will be surprised by the number of visitors who wish to see a rare bird.

Respect the rights of landowners and occupiers of land.
Before entering an area, be aware of the rules about access such as by-laws of Conservation Authorities, National and Provincial Parks, and Regional Authorities. Many landowners and authorities allow birders access to areas normally off limits. Always act in a responsible way and if you are asked to leave, do so immediately. Do not block gateways or cause damage to fences, and leave gates as you find them. Do not obstruct people who may be working in these areas.

Have proper consideration for other birders.
When telephoning for information, do so at reasonable hours of the day. Try not to disrupt other birders’ activities or scare the birds they are watching. Many other people enjoy the outdoors; do not interfere with their activities. Be polite to other birders and helpful to beginners. If you see people obviously disturbing birds or significantly damaging habitat, explain to them the effect of their actions but be courteous, they may not be aware of the effect they are having.

Increase our knowledge about birds.
Keep notes of your sightings and send them to area compilers. Send rare bird reports to the Secretary, Ontario Bird Records Committee.

When birding in other countries, provinces or regions.
Find out if there is a local code of ethics or any special rules that should be respected.

|Other Birding Codes of Conduct|

Bruce Di Labio's Blog

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Amherst Island Birrrrrrrrr-ding

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