I haven't been on the site or had a chance to assess the situation but it seems common sense to me to give the Short-eared Owls the benefit of doubt and avoid any potential disruption. Without further comment the following is from Ken Williams.
Mark Cranford Ontbirds Coordinator Mississauga, Ont. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mark, If this is appropriate, please forward it to Ontbirds. There was an Ontbird report last weekend by birders entering private land with landowner permission to view Short-eared Owls in their roosting area near Beamers Conservation Area in Stoney Creek/Grimsby. In fact this is a designated Environmentally Sensitive Area where these owls overwinter and have been known to breed. Since this is a designated Species of Special Concern (declining in population) in Ontario, I would like to strongly suggest that birders view these birds responsibly from the roadside parking areas or the rail trail, which is easily done at dusk and dawn at this site. This area is currently under an environmental review for quarry expansion, which would destroy a substantial section of probable breeding area. Entering these fields and bush could jeopardize the species abundance and breeding evidence data if we scare the Short-eared Owls away, thereby enabling development of, so far, a nice, natural habitat. Directions: QEW to Fifty Road in Grimsby; go south on Fifty Road up the mountain; right on Ridge Road, left on 10th Road E. to the railroad tracks. Enjoy these birds without disturbing them please. Ken Williams Site Monitor 83 Edinburgh Avenue Hamilton, Ontario, L8H 2C6 905 547 8580
