Amherst Island Experience
Featuring Owl Woods
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Amherst Island is one of our favourite places to visit. We have seen Bald Eagles, hawks galore, several species of owls, White-tailed Deer and many other birds. I fully expect more owls and birds of prey to continue to arrive on Amherst Island.
Saw-whet Owls are migrating through at this time, so this is a great chance to some of these tiny delicate owls.
We also have excellent chances to see Barred Owls along with Short-eared Owls.
The Toronto Nature Lovers are excited to announce our fall tour to Amherst Island on Saturday October 7, 2023
We will be visiting the world-famous Owl Woods for a guided tour which will give us the opportunity to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Amherst Island is a world-renowned fall and winter destination for many types of Owls and Birds of Prey. At this time of year, some of the Owls that are regularly seen include Northern Saw-whet Owls, Barred Owls, Short-eared Owls. There are also many raptors that can be seen on the island including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, Peregrine Falcons and American Kestrels. They are commonly seen hunting over the open fields of Amherst Island. You never know what surprise awaits you. White-tailed Deer are also abundant and a common sight on Amherst Island.
The only way to get to Amherst Island is by ferry. Visiting Amherst Island is like stepping back in history to simpler times. There are no gas stations, Tim Horton’s, stores or restaurants on the island. It really is a paradise in this busy world.
After arriving on the island, we will drive slowly sound looking for birds of prey or any other interesting sighting, such as coyote, deer and maybe some Eastern Bluebirds!
After that we will then head to Owl Woods for our walk through this private sanctuary.
We've had many memorable moments in Owl Woods. Tiny Saw-whet Owls have brought guests to tears with their delicate beauty! We've been awed by being in the presence of a massive Great Gray Owl! Long-eared Owls have entranced us with their intense stares! Its really an unbelievable experience.
During our hike in Owl Woods, at the mid-way point there are bird feeders and benches where you can take a break. Lots of woodpeckers, nuthatches, blue Jays, cardinals and chickadees can be seen. In fact, we should be able to hand feed some Chickadees.
After our hike into Owl Woods, we will then drive slowly around the island looking for birds of prey. Late afternoon is the best time to start seeing the Short-eared Owls as they begin to hunt. Though we do have to catch the 5:00 pm ferry back to the mainland.
Owl Woods is a very sensitive nature area that through the cooperation of landowners allows for bird lovers to explore. When in Owl Woods, we must accord the utmost respect to the Owls that we observe. When we find an Owl, we will only observe the Owl for a short period of time, be silent or speak in whispers and then we will move on. Please feel free to take pictures of the Owls but no flashes are allowed. Thank you for your consideration in keeping with these conditions for visiting this privately owned nature reserve.
As there are no restaurants on the island, so please bring a pack lunch, snacks and drinks. This will allow us to spend more time exploring beautiful Amherst Island.
We will also be stopping on the way there, so if you want to pick up anything extra, please feel free.
We will be travelling by van; I have room for 5 members.
If you like to carpool or meet us there, that is fine.
We will be meeting at York Mills Subway Parking Lot located in the northwest corner of Yonge Street and York Mills/Wilson Avenue. Please be there by 8:15 am as the van leaves precisely at 8:30 am.
Itinerary
• Depart York Mills Subway Station at 8:30 a.m.
• We will be making one rest stop on our journey to Amherst Island Ferry.
• Ferry from Millhaven to Amherst Island departs at 11:30 a.m.
• Arrive at Amherst Island.
• Proceed to Owls Woods for our guided walk of Owl Woods.
• Depart Owl Woods and travel slowly around the Island looking for wildlife and Birds of Prey including Bald Eagles.
• Depart Amherst Island at 5:00 pm. Arrive back in Toronto for approximately 8:00 pm.
Other Important Information
As we will be walking outside during our visit to Owl Wooods, please dress appropriately for varying weather conditions.
The Toronto Nature Lovers follow the Ontario Federation of Ornithologists Birding Code of Ethics.
We can’t guarantee owls, but we have a 100% success rate of seeing owls on Amherst Island.
All times are approximate, except departure time and the itinerary can be adjusted at the discretion of Toronto Nature Lovers.
I look forward to taking you on a fun, educational and inspiring experience to Amherst Island.
So please join us on this exciting day adventure for 109.00 dollars including tax.
