Between 9 and 11 this morning, Angie and I scouted around 50 Point
Conservation Area hoping for a snow goose that had been reported in the
area south of there. Instead, we got nice views of a Short-eared Owl
patrolling the beach and around the lighthouse. We saw it again in the
north east parking lot resting in a tree, probably digesting a mouse.
Unfortunately, the 7 Long-eared Owls that were roosting in the pines by
the marina earlier this month have moved on (park staff agree that they
are gone). There are serious *footpaths in the snow weaving in and
around the trees* where these owls try to roost, confirming that they
have most likely been scared away by people who don't know that you can
see them and clearly identify them*from across the road* (vertical
arrow-dotted breast streaks ruling out great-horned owl).
Don't waste your time looking for Long-eared Owls at Fifty point for the
rest of this winter but it's a great place to fish, skate, and view the
ducks on the lake...
Directions: Exit the QEW at Fifty Road and go north, toward the lake.
Turn Right (east) on North Service Road, take your first left and
immediately turn right (on Lower Baseline Road which may have been
renamed, since there is a lot of new housing). Turn left into the
conservation area and follow the road around to the left until you get
to the marina. Maps are available at the kiosk to show you how to get
the the lighthouse.
Ken Williams
905 870 8584
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