Saturday, November 24, 2012

November 10-11, 2012 Amherst Island Birdng

Hi Everyone
 
Spent the weekend birding Amherst Island. With great weather and very mild temperatures, it felt more like mid October and a few  species of reptiles and amphibians were still active along with a couple of butterfly species.  The Owl Woods produced 4 species of owls  with Northern Saw-whet, Long-eared, Short-eared, and Barred Owl being found. A check along the roads produced a number of American Kestrel, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and Northern Harrier. The KFN property at the east end of the island was quiet with little activity.
 
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.

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/ ."

 
 
 



Numerous Common Loons were observed on the crossing.


A 2nd year (cycle) Iceland Gull was observed along the south shore of the island.


A Mink in full stride.

With mild conditions everyone was out sunning!

A Northern Water Snake was also out with the warm temperatures.


American Tree Sparrows were easy to observe at the feeders in the Owl Woods.


A number of American Kestrel were observed feeding along the roads catching insects that were active due to the warm temperatures.


A Barred Owl eating a Garter snake a first for me!
 

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker was vocal in the woods giving a "chuck" call.


A late Fox Sparrow was feeding at the feeders in the Owl Woods.


















 
 

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