Angie and I did a two day scouting trip for our annual Hamilton
Naturalist's Club Winter Hawks and Owls etc. car hike in Haldimand
County this weekend. The results were very dismal and I cannot guarantee
any greater success next weekend, given the weird, snowless winter and
no change soon enough in the forecast.
During two days, we only found one calling Great-horned Owl, two
Rough-legged Hawks, One Northern Harrier, five American Kestrals, one
Bald Eagle, and one Tufted Titmouse (at Ruthven...directions to follow).
We scoured the Conservation Areas, Selkirk, Fisherville, and many back
roads and places where we have found Short-eared Owls and we don't want
to waste anyone's time.
I have an alternate proposal: We can find several species of owls
(Short-eared, Screech, Great-horned and possibly Saw Whet) as wells as a
few hawk species right in the local Hamilton/Stoney Creek area. If we
can meet at the Tim Horton's at Mud Street and Highway 20 at 3:00 P.M.on
Saturday, Feb. 11, we will lead a hike with anyone who shows.
I will still be at the Hagersville Timmies at 11:00 the same day and
will show anyone a Bald Eagle at Nanticoke but can't guarantee much else...
Directions to Ruthven: from Highway 6 in Caladonia, turn left at the
lights north of the Grand River bridge onto Highway 54/North River Road.
Go about 8 km. and you will see the gatehouse on your right (it's well
marked). It's worth the walk into the park to see bluebirds, tufted
titmice, and many other birds, as there are feeders about 300 yards from
the entrance. We have had shrikes and various accipiters there in the
past, as well as several woodpecker species.
Feel free to email us if you have any comments or concerns.
Ken and Angie Williams
905 547 8580
Hamilton, Ont.
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