Greetings ONTBirders: I birded the Owl Woods at Amherst this morning. Activity was high with four BOREAL OWLS - three in the jack pine plantation and one very well concealed low in a spruce tree just outside of the plantation. There were also three NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS, at least 19 LONG-EARED OWLS, and a variety of non-owl highlights including three female RING-NECKED PHEASANTS near the jack pine plantation, three HERMIT THRUSHES in the plantation (aural only), five GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, a NORTHERN FLICKER, and a male RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, which made a brief appearance at the feeders. On my way home I made a brief stop at Cataraqui (Elevator) Bay in Kingston. Most of the shoreline out about 2,000 feet was frozen, but the Dupont Pond hosted 20+ GADWALL and seven AMERICAN COOTS. I did not locate the drake Eurasian wigeon that was reported there earlier. Good birding! Pat DIRECTIONS: Amherst Island - exit 593 off of the 401 (Queensway) and follow Hwy 133 south to the end of the road. Turn right and the ferry dock is 200m on the left. The toll is $8. The Owl Woods can be reached by turning left onto Front Road and following it to Marshall 40-Foot Road, turning right. At the S-curve is the entrance to the Woods. Elevator Bay - exit 615 off of the 401 and follow John A. MacDonald south to King Road. Turn right onto King Road and follow for approximately 3km. The bay is on the left next to the Dupont plant. _________________________________________________________________
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