Weekend Island Getaway with Wild Owls, Eagles and Hawks!

Weekend Island Getaway with Wild Owls, Eagles and Hawks!

What we'll do.

A two-day long trip to two islands that are world-famous for wintering owls, as well as Bald Eagles and other birds of prey.

Have you ever wanted to see and photograph a Snowy Owl? How about ten Snowy Owls? It's not impossible - in fact, here, it is the regular! How about smaller owls - the pop-can sized Northern Saw-whet or the sleek and mysterious Short-eared? They are all here!

Amherst and Wolfe Island are two of the best places to view wintering birds of prey. Here, it is possible to see over twenty species of birds of prey. Amherst Island has had ten species of owls in one day! Daily counts of over 30 Snowy Owls have happened on Wolfe Island!

We will be visiting both islands. The first day we will spend on Amherst Island. Going to Amherst Island is like stepping back in time - there are no big-box stores or chain restaurants - just small town sites and acres of farmland teeming with birds and White-tailed Deer. This may be the last winter to see Amherst Island as it was before, as many wind turbines are in the process of being built on the island.

We will visit the world-famous Owl Woods, where we will look for sleeping owls of various different species. Then we will take an afternoon cruise as Snowy and Short-eared Owls should start hunting, allowing us to see them at golden-hour light when they are most active. Besides owls, Rough-legged Hawks, Northern Harriers and Bald Eagles frequent the island. We will spend the night in Kingston before going to Wolfe Island in the morning, in search of more Snowy Owls, Bald Eagles and any other surprises, such as flocks of Snow Buntings, Golden Eagle, Waterfowl or anything else - even Gyrfalcon has been seen here before.

So, if you'd like to see and photograph dozens of birds of prey, going at a slow pace with a small group, and have an amazing time doing it - RSVP now!

Note: We do not feed birds of prey or trespass onto private property. Birds are often close to the road regardless and trespassing is not necessary/tolerated. We do not linger at sleeping owls for more than a few minutes to prevent harassment.

What to bring:
Please make sure to dress for the appropriate weather conditions.
Please bring appropriate footwear.
Please bring binoculars and Cameras.

Important to know:
The price is 279.00 per person including tax for a shared Hotel Room.
You will be paired with a member of the same sex. The price is 329.00 per person including tax, if you would like a single room to yourself.

Meals are not included on the trip.
We will make stops along the way for food, but feel free to bring extra snacks, especially for Amherst Island, where no stores are available.
We will be having a group dinner in Kingston on Saturday Night. Included: All Transportation, Ferry Fees, Hotel Room, Expert Guiding by Algonquin Park Naturalist Lev Frid and myself.
The Toronto Nature Lovers reserve the right to adjust the itinerary to give us the best chance to view wildlife.