Spent a few hours on Amherst Island yesterday, driving about. The island is alive with raptors, waterfowl, and quite a few snowy owls. Some species to note included:
- 5 snowy owls - 2 red-headed ducks - approx. 10 ring-necked ducks - red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, rough-legged hawks - countless hooded mergansers, greater scaup, buffleheads, common goldeneyes, and long-tailed ducks along with the usual canada geese and mallards Most of the waterfowl were observed along the east-southeast shore line. To get to Amherst Island, take exit 593 off the 401 (just west of Kingston) and head south until you intersect with Hwy 33. Turn right (west)on Hwy 33. The ferry to Amherst Island is just on your left-hand side. The ferry leaves the mainland on the half-hour and the island on the hour. Please note that the cost for a return trip on the ferry is now $6.00. For detailed directions, check out the Ministry of Transportation road map at: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/map/images/pdf/southont/sheets/Map6.pdf
