November 6, 2012 birding Amherst Island



Hi Everyone

 

Spent the day birding Amherst Island. Overall it was quiet but there were a few owls in the Owl Woods including 2 Northern Saw-whet, 2 Long-eared and 1 Barred Owl. Also species present included a small flock of White-winged Crossbill, a couple of Common Redpoll, 1 Fox Sparrow and a Red-bellied Woodpecker at the feeders. A walk out to the east point, KFN property produced a late Dunlin, 34 Tundra Swan,  and 500+ Greater Scaup. There were a small number hawks including American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk and Rough-legged Hawk.   

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 visithttp://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/ ."

The Owl Woods on Amherst Island will be closed from November 19-December 9th.

One of two Northern Saw-whet Owls that were present in the Owl Woods.



A section of the Owl Woods is now fenced off and there is no access.

The Long-eared Owl is a regular migrant on the island and usually very wary. This individual was very tame.

This Long-eared Owl spent most of the day roosting quietly in a Jack Pine.

A small group of Evening Grosbeaks was a nice bonus on the island.

These birds were feeding on the Staghorn Sumac fruit.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker continues to expand its range north into eastern Ontario. 

The low water levels on Lake Ontario continue and the gravel point at the east end of Amherst island is now connected to the first island.

Access to the east point KFN property is restricted. You must be accompanied by a KFN member.

A late lingering Dunlin on the KFN property.

The Snow Bunting is an Arctic breeder and winters in eastern Ontario.

Usually travelling in flocks this individual was on its own.