Here are highlights from a four-day tour of Presquile, Amherst Island, and Prince Edward County:
Best New Public Washroom Amherst Island: At the island dock, there is now a five-star heated! public washroom thereby improving access to the island immeasurably. As well, the Stella general store sells coffee. Best Meadow Vole Populations Amherst Island: At Owl Woods on Nov. 1, we found 3 Saw-whet Owls and 10 very flighty Long-eared Owls. The ground is actually soft underfoot here and doubtless throughout the island because of the proliferation of mouse tunnels and mounds. On a circuit of the island we tallied 30 Red-tailed Hawk, 7 Rough-legged Hawk, 7 Northern Harrier and 1 American Kestrel. The island should really be hopping in another month. Best Waterfowl Aggregation Second Marsh, Oshawa: Unlike Presquile where alternate-day hunting has spooked all waterfowl and shorebirds, the birds stay put here. On Nov. 4, from the lookout platform we observed 12+ waterfowl species including the only American Widgeon (40), Northern Pintail (25) of the trip along with high numbers of American Shoveler (100). A very obliging Long-eared Owl provided walk-away looks in a bare hawthorn at the marsh edge. Best Bird Feeder Cranberry Marsh, Whitby: Where else can you watch several sparrow species (including Fox) at your feet and migrating hawks overhead? On Nov. 1, the latter included my late date Osprey (1) and Turkey Vulture (2). Best Lookout Point Bonniebrae Point: Where else on Lake Ontario do you have a high lookout point with surf breaking over crescent beaches on either side? On Nov. 4 we looked down on Buffleheads (50) and Common Goldeneyes (25) diving to avoid the breakers. Best Lookout Point(Runner-Up) Hay Bay Methodist Church: From the grounds of this 200-year old building we noted Brant (40) and Snow Goose (1) almost hidden by Canada Geese (500). Best Sewage Lagoon Brighton: On Nov. 4, we counted 400 Lesser Scaup and noted several other waterfowl species. Directions: Hay Bay: The town of Hay Bay is northwest of Bath. Bonniebrae Point, Oshawa: From 401 exit 417, take Simcoe Street south to the lake. The point (and park) is to the west. Brighton Lagoons: You cant get here from Presquile! Go back to Brighton; take County Road 64 toward Carrying Place. Look for the lagoons on the north after the big curve. George Bryant [EMAIL PROTECTED] "George Bryant" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
