January 19,2011 Kingston area birding

The birding continues to change week by week in the Kingston area. On Amherst Island we birded the Owl Woods first and after a couple of hours searching we managed to find 3 Northern Saw-whet Owl and 9 Long-eared Owl. Unfortunately no luck with either Boreal but one was present the day before. The KFN property had 1 Snowy Owl visible from the road and 1 Northern Shrike flew over towards the spruce and pine plantation oppisite the KFN property. Overall, hawk numbers were low with 8 Rough-legged Hawk, 2 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Northern Harrier and 1 American Kestrel. A couple of small flocks of Snow Bunting were noted along Southshore Road and the east point area. You could still drive to the Owl Woods but there is drifting across the road and another snow fall make close it down. Also, very little parking at the entrance to the woods. There was lots of ice and with the weekend forecast most remaining open water will likely freeze. Remember there is NO FUEL on the island.

Northern Saw-whet Owl quietly sits with a Meadow Vole in its talons.

Another Saw-whet with a White-footed Mouse.

The Long-eared Owls are normally very wary but if you are quiet they will sit still.

Remember to watch how close you approach the owls. Always give them enough room and if you are taking photos use your zoom.