Bruce Di Labio's Blog: December 8 & 9, 2009 Birding Amherst Island and Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

December 8 & 9, 2009 Birding Amherst Island and Presqu'ile Provincial Park

Spent yesterday birding both Amherst Island and Presqu'ile Provincial Park. In the "Owl Woods" on Amherst Island I observed 1 Barred Owl and didn't find anything else in the woods. At the east end of the island, K.F.N. property, there were 3 Snowy Owls, two visible from the road and 1 at the gravel bar. Along North Shore road, east of Stella there was a small concentration of raptors including 11 Short-eared Owl, 4 Rough-legged Hawk, 3 Red-tailed Hawk, 2 Northern Harrier and 4 American Kestrel. There was also a small concentration along 2nd Con.Rd. with 6 Red-tailed Hawk,Rough-legged Hawk, 4 Northern Harrier and 5 American Kestrel.

At Presqu'ile Pr. Pk. I checked Gull Island and Sebastopol Point before dark. At Sebastopol Point there were 3 Purple Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 1 Sanderling.

Today, I did a quick run into the park during the snow storm and saw the Rose-breasted Grosbeak that has been present at the parking lot feeder opposite the Group Camp Ground entrance for the past couple of weeks. At first it was on the ground hopping around and then flew up into a nearby cedar tree. It has an injured wing but can managed short flights.

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. Please note that the smaller ferry is still in use.

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 contactinformation or how to become a member, please visit
http://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

Directions: To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Visitors to Gull Island not using a boat should be prepared to wade through ankle-deep water that sometimes has waves that reach the shins. With hip waders one can walk to Sebastopol Island from Gull Island, but wading to High Bluff Island is not possible. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull
Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days until December 20. Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.

The Black-capped Chickadee is the greeter of the "Owl Woods".

A Barred Owl sits quietly in the "Owl Woods".

The Barred Owl is easily recognized by its dark eyes.

There has been a small movement of Barred Owls south this fall with a concentration of 6 at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

Amherst and Wolfe Island near Kingston, Ontario are well known for wintering Snowy Owls.

A Purple Sandpiper with Dunlin on Sebastopol Point at Presqu'ile Provincial Park.

The Purple Sandpiper is typically a late migrant in Ontario usually arriving early November to early December.

Presqu'ile Provincial Park on Lake Ontario is one of the most reliable locations to view Purple Sandpipers during the late fall.

A few Horned Larks were observed on Gull Island.

Due to an injured wing, this late lingering male Rose-breasted Grosbeak normally would be south at this time of year.

Now with snow on the ground in Eastern Ontario, make sure your feeders are stocked full of sunflower seed, finch seed or niger seed. Also suet is great for attracting woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches and more. Anything is possible!

Small numbers of American Robins do overwinter in Eastern Ontario feeding on a variety of berries.

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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, December 9, 2009

December 8 & 9, 2009 Birding Amherst Island and Presqu'ile Provincial Park

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