November 25, 2011 Amherst Island birding

The birding on Amherst Island today was good with a nice variety of raptors. The highlight was an immature Snowy Owl on the KFN property at the east end of the island. At the gravel point we observed a late lingering Black-bellied Plover and 50+ Tundra Swans. There were numerous Northern Harriers (18+) and a small number of Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks along with a few American Kestrel.

Please remember access to the Owl Woods is closed to the public from November 19 to December 11.


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 $9.00 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.

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/ ."

Tundra Swan in flight over the gravel point.

A Northern Harrier hunting along the edge of a field and tall grass.

An adult Red-tailed Hawk unsuccessful attempt at a Meadow Vole.

Snowy Owls are on the move south this fall. A small number have been observed in north-eastern U.S.A., the Great Lakes region and now are starting to appear in eastern Ontario. At Netitishi Point, just east of Moosonee on James Bay a total of 32 individuals were seen, birds were seen everyday between October 28-November 11, except one (November 3). The high count was 14 birds on November 9th.

An immature Snowy Owl on Amherst Island.

This Snowy Owl spent most of the morning sitting on the gravel was flushed when a Great Blue Heron flew over.

A Great Blue Heron foraging along a gravel road likely hunting for frogs or mice.

A late Black-bellied Plover at the gravel point.