Hello Ontbirders, Both yesterday and last Saturday, Leslie Hunt and I spent several hours on Amherst Island in the evening. While there is still a fair amount of song, several species are evidently flocking for migration too.
Eastern Kingbirds and Yellow Warblers already appeared somewhat down in numbers from last week, and both weeks large (100+) mixed flocks of blackbirds were seen on the adjacent mainland, as well as somewhat smaller groups of swallows (primarily Barn and Tree, with some Rough-winged and Bank). At several points on the island, Meadowlarks are in groups of 10-20 and on North Shore Road a couple of kilometres east of Stella was a flock of nearly 100 Bobolinks. Along the north part of Marshall Road yesterday were at least 2 Grasshopper Sparrows and a dozen Yellow Warblers, plus a steady stream of Red-winged Blackbirds moving west (with a few Baltimore Orioles mixed in). Both weeks a Whip-poor-will was calling from near the "bend" in the middle of the road before dusk, but not after. Near Stella Road and 3rd Concession we saw a large raptor around dusk that we couldn't see well enough to identify with certainty. In the poor light, it looked like it had dark wrists, and a pale or missing 6th or 7th primary on each wing. The flight style (relatively slow flaps alternating somewhat irregularly with brief glides, wings in a slight dihedral) most resembled that of a Rough-legged Hawk, consistent with the shape, size, and wrist colour. However, given the date that seems extremely unlikely, and without seeing the bird in better light we can't rule out other possibilities. I mention it in case anyone else happens to be on the island soon and has a chance to see it better. Without question though, the strangest observation we had was of an Osprey at the KFN property. We observed it fly west across the road, then return only a few minutes later carrying a groundhog! It carried this to the south platform, and we walked out on the trail to see if we could get a better view (no). It flew off about 20 minutes later without the prey. This is the first time either of us has seen an Osprey take a mammal - I'd be interested in hearing (in private) from anyone else who has witnessed this. DIRECTIONS: The Amherst Island ferry ($5 return) departs from Millhaven at 6:20 am and hourly from 7:30 am onward; take Hwy 401 exit 593 and head south to the lake to reach the ferry dock. The KFN property is at the east end of the island; road names are all shown in the MapArt Ontario Road Atlas - please e-mail me privately for more detailed directions to any of the birds mentioned. Good birding, Marcel Gahbauer Montreal QC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
