January 20, 2012 Amherst Island birding

The bird activity on Amherst Island continues to change daily. The "Owl Woods" was somewhat quiet but we managed to find 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl, my first since checking in late October. There have been very few reports of any owls  from the "Owl Woods"  this season. The feeders were active with 30+ House Finch, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, American Tree sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. Both Short-eared and Long-eared Owls, one of each were found roosting in the woods. A drive around the island netted a few Snowy Owl and still low numbers of hawks, including Red-tailed, Rough-legged, American Kestrel, and Northern Harrier.

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

A Common Redpoll feeding on White Cedar cones. 

First recorded in Ontario during the early 70's the House Finch is now a regular sight in south Ontario. 

A Snowy Owl sits quietly. 

 

Easy to overlook at the best of times as they roost during the day. This Northern Saw-whet Owl was sitting 15-20 feet up a Jack Pine.