Keswick-Newmarket Quest for Snowy Owls
On a cold but mostly sunny morning, 13 hardy souls from the Richmond Hill and Simcoe Naturalists joined Ron Fleming at a Tim’s in Newmarket to go in search of Snowy Owls and whatever else could be found in the Holland Marsh area. After pooling our cars, we first headed NW toards the area adjacent to Hwy 400, where we cruised the labrynth of back roads snaking amongst the canals and windswept fields. Along the way we had seen nothing except a few red-tailed Hawks and one large flock of Crows (30 or so). We were in search of the right-shaped lumps out in the fields, but turned up only a number of white buckets and other detritus. We did come across a large mixed flock of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings feeding in a field, and parked to try scoping them. The wind was really fierce, but those who braved the cold were rewarded with good views of both species. We did see one interesting house with a huge flock of Starlings clustered around the chimney. Having exhausted the likely haunts in this area, Ron led us next up to where Bathurst deadends in the Holand River, in hopes of Rough-legged Hawks or Northern Shrikes, while still scanning the fields for snowies. This area proved remarkably desolate, so we headed on across towards the Queensway. Just as some of our cars were managing to get through the very heavy traffic to head North on the Queensway, those in the rear were treated to really nice views of a pair of Rough-legged Hawks hunting in a valley alongside the road.
Having sated the appetite for this target species for at least some of our group, we headed on up to Ravenshoe Rd to try the fields along the isolated stretch of Yonge street which intersects the dead end of Ravenshoe. As we were passing through the bottom end of Keswick, we spotted a large flock of Snow Buntings feeding in a grassy field. For a few brief moments we had great views of the flock (100+ birds) wheeling over the field, showing off their black-and-white wing patterns in the bright sunlight. In moments they were swallowed up by a snow squall, so we headed on out to the fields which often yield snowies at this time of year. Many eyes scanning in all directions led to a grand total of no birds to be found in this whole stretch, so we decided to call it a day. A big part of the group headed for Jonathan’s Restaurant in Aurora for a very pleasant brunch.
Our thanks to Ron for his always welcome knowledge and enthusiasm in helping us hunt for these elusive creatures.
Ron Fleming and the group watch Horned Larks and Snow Buntings
Dozens of starlings huddle try to catch a few rays in Ansnorveldt.
Scanning the fields for Snowy Owls near Yonge and Ravenshoe Rd.