Bruce Di Labio's Blog: Road Conditions into The Owl Woods on Amherst Island

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Road Conditions into The Owl Woods on Amherst Island

I just wanted to let everyone know the condition of the roads into "The Owl Woods" on Amherst Island.

The road in from the North did not seem passable.

Condition of northern road into The Owl Woods
on Amherst Island on December 30, 2008.

The road in from the South Shore Road was open and easy to drive. There was a limited number of parking areas due to the condition of the shoulders. Be careful pulling off the road onto the shoulder as some areas are quite soft.

Condition of road into The Owl Woods from the Southern
Shore Road on Amherst Island on December 30, 2008.

Also note that the trails around "The Owl Woods" are very icy and extremely slick. Be careful when walking about...I think we all took at least one tumble out there today.

Good birding,
Bruce

1 comment:

Mayo said...: We'd very much like your help and the help of other bird lovers in spreading the word about a serious problem for birds on Amherst Island.

Amherst Island, as you may know, is a world-renowned IBA on a major bird migration route. An industrial wind farm is in the planning stage at this point in time. (There is also a wind farm planned for Ostrander Point, Prince Edward County - another major migratory bird route.)

If the industrial wind turbine farm is built on Amherst Island as the wind developer would like (but not 9/10 of the island's residents) this may be the last chance to see Short-eared Owls, Snowy Owls, Boreal Owls, Great Grey Owls, etc. alive instead of dead at the base of turbines.

Neighboring Wolfe Island has the deadliest bird kill rate in Canada and the second deadliest in north America.

For more information, visit http://protectamherst.yolasite.com/photos.php and ”http://blog.douggreensgarden.com/youll-toast-your-bread-in-the-blood-of-owls/

How can you help? By spreading the word to other birders and by writing to the politicians (below), some of whom are condoning the slaughter. (A quick way is to cut & paste your letter into different emails.)

Those who are supporting the wind farm in this Important Bird Areas include:
Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario dmcguinty.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Andrea Horwath, Head of the NDP ahorwath-qp@ndp.on.ca
Sean Fairfield, Manager of Environmental Planning for Algonquin Power (the would-be wind developer) Sean.Fairfield@algonquinpower.com; December 19, 2011 at 9:12 AM

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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

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Road Conditions into The Owl Woods on Amherst Island

1 comment:

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