Amherst Island Owl and Raptor Workshop 2011

Northern Hawk Owl Taking Flight with Prey

The Owl and Raptor Workshop on Amherst Island this year was a great success despite the fact the Owl Woods was impossible to visit because of deep snow drifts. One hearty cross country skier we met said he ventured in but only saw one owl---a Barred Owl. This is rather ominous since Barred Owls are know to eat smaller species of owls.

To compensate we had great looks at a Northern Hawk Owl that stayed in the exact same place for all three days of the workshop. We also had good views of a Snowy Owl and both types of Rough-legged Hawks. There were also plenty of Red-tailed Hawks and a fleeting glimpse of a Barred Owl on Presqu'ile.

We also had a great group including a man who has the best eyesight I have ever seen. Danny could look at a bunch of trees, without binoculars, and see an owl perched among the branches while the rest of us scanned without success.

We stayed at the Lodge on Amherst Island but next year we are staying off-island so that we can visit more places.