Things have been weighing heavily on my heart. We decided to go and see some snowy owls.
We left the house about 8:30 to get the 10:30 ferry to the island.
A hawk, was our first find.
Of course, there were hundreds of geese and ducks. As we ate lunch, they took off en masse. Then, when were leaving on the ferry, they did a fly by. Stretching their wings, perhaps. I didn't have the energy to get out of the car and film them.
There were a few swans.
This is my favourite photo, the water looks so soft. The mallards came in close for me.
I am having a difficult time zooming in and focusing. The pair of eagles soared in circle over our heads.
This raptor I could see over a field, and it kindly came over us. I'm going with Northern Harrier, on a quick search,
How to Identify Hawks , but I'm sure I'll be corrected if that's wrong. It's a distinct pattern.
The shore was a bit chilly. A single gull...
After lunch, a man cleaning up in front of his home near the pub asked if we were birding. I said yes. "Did you see any snowies?"
"No, none." I was ready to go home.
He suggested we try a particular road. He's lived here 60 years, and he knows everyone who lives there. He knew we were from away! Off we went.
In a forest, along the side of the road, some really lousy photos, but you will have to trust me. There were 5 long-eared owls. It was impossible for me to focus quickly enough, but you get the idea. I think I might have to get some long-distance glasses. I've needed them since gr. 4, but the progressive lenses are awful for this kind of thing.
It's been confirmed, on Ontario Owls (FB), that they are Long-eared Owls!
A little further down, a 6th owl.
Those were our finds. We tried, and couldn't get on the 2:30 ferry. It was full. We toured around some more, bought a newspaper, I took some photos of the icy pier, we got onto the 3:30 ferry. Not only am I disappointed, but defeated.
More successful birders can be found here:
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