What a bonanza. I was on Hall's Rd. this Wednesday at 0730 (still somewhat dark)-- south pathway entry area-- within a minute I saw a GREAT GRAY OWL perched 5 m. from me, a Barred Owl nearby, a Great Horned Owl in a tree near the big house, a Long-eared Owl dancing from post to post (as per last evening) and a low-cavorting Short-eared Owl in the field on the west side. Shortly thereafter the following raptors were seen-- 3 Rough-leggeds (1 dark morph), 4 Red-taileds, 1 Sharp-shinned and a male N. Harrier.
A group of us then went up to the Lynde Shores woodlot-- a very fat barred Owl and an immature Sharp-shinned Hawk. On the pathway was the evidence of a recent Mourning Dove kill. Then back down to the north pathway of Hall's Rd. A smaller reddish-brown Barred Owl was perched in the trees nearby--it was easily spooked. Along the deer path-- 2 Great Gray Owls, one of which appeared to be the bird seen 2 days ago by Eleanor Beagan-- somewhat "pinked" (her word!!) tail terminus. With apologies to the camera folk, but I wonder if the great numbers who are purposely moving in very close will "fret" them in any way. The GGOs allow people to get quite close, but it must unsettle them, as they fly about to look for daytime privacy as well as voles. The Barred Owls are frequently seen alongside the roadway; people follow them up and down the road, all the while noting the bird's head keeping its eyes on people in front and behind. >From the west, exit 401 at Salem Rd. (in Ajax), south to Bayly, east through Lakeridge Rd. to the first street east (Hall's Rd.), south down to where you will undoubtedly see cars parked. From the east, exit 401 at Brock St. in Whitby, south to Victoria, west to Hall's Rd. Doug Lockrey, Whitby -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.6 - Release Date: 28/12/2004
