OWL WOODS in Rochester

[Joyce]

Went to Braddock Bay Owl Woods hoping to see the smallest eastern owl (8 in) - Northern Saw-whet.  Two weeks ago I saw my first.  Today was another successful watch.

The conditions are perfect right now for migrating owls.  For anyone in the Rochester area looking to do something different on Easter Sunday, head out to Owl Woods. 

To get to Owl Woods and the Braddock Bay Raptor Research Banding Station, take the Lake Ontario Parkway and turn north onto Manitou Beach Rd. The parking lot and trailhead is just north of the Parkway exit.

Northern Saw-whet Owl 4-3-10

[dale]

Ooooohhh dear....another owl giving us a Look.
Lovely photo, Joyce.

[valhalla]

beautiful bird - thanks Joyce!

[Donna]

Now that's a cute owl. Thanks Joyce.

P.S. Do you ever sleep?

[Joyce]

Now that's a cute owl. Thanks Joyce.

P.S. Do you ever sleep?

I'm a true "night owl"   

[MAK]

    Excellent photo Joyce!  I was out at Braddocks yesterday watching all the migratory birds.  OMG was I in awe of what I saw! I've been there a few times looking for these magnificent sightings and finally I hit the mother load! Tens and hundreds of raptors,birds of prey,etc.  Wow, what a banner day for me. Archer and Beauty in the morning and migration at it's finest in the afternoon!    

[Donna]

  Excellent photo Joyce!  I was out at Braddocks yesterday watching all the migratory birds.  OMG was I in awe of what I saw! I've been there a few times looking for these magnificent sightings and finally I hit the mother load! Tens and hundreds of raptors,birds of prey,etc.  Wow, what a banner day for me. Archer and Beauty in the morning and migration at it's finest in the afternoon!    

Way to go MAK...and do we have pictures?

[MAK]

  Excellent photo Joyce!  I was out at Braddocks yesterday watching all the migratory birds.  OMG was I in awe of what I saw! I've been there a few times looking for these magnificent sightings and finally I hit the mother load! Tens and hundreds of raptors,birds of prey,etc.  Wow, what a banner day for me. Archer and Beauty in the morning and migration at it's finest in the afternoon!    

Way to go MAK...and do we have pictures?

   No pictures Donna I don't have a camera. Sorry I can't share my sightings. Hey, I was just happy to borrow my friends truck and get out to behold nature and all it's glory! Perhaps I can borrow a camera next time.

[Donna]

  Excellent photo Joyce!  I was out at Braddocks yesterday watching all the migratory birds.  OMG was I in awe of what I saw! I've been there a few times looking for these magnificent sightings and finally I hit the mother load! Tens and hundreds of raptors,birds of prey,etc.  Wow, what a banner day for me. Archer and Beauty in the morning and migration at it's finest in the afternoon!    

Way to go MAK...and do we have pictures?

   No pictures Donna I don't have a camera. Sorry I can't share my sightings. Hey, I was just happy to borrow my friends truck and get out to behold nature and all it's glory! Perhaps I can borrow a camera next time.

Doesn't matter MAK as long as you got to see them. I'm sure you'll never forget the images in your mind. Thank you!

[Joyce]

  Excellent photo Joyce!  I was out at Braddocks yesterday watching all the migratory birds.  OMG was I in awe of what I saw! I've been there a few times looking for these magnificent sightings and finally I hit the mother load! Tens and hundreds of raptors,birds of prey,etc.  Wow, what a banner day for me. Archer and Beauty in the morning and migration at it's finest in the afternoon!    

Brian and I were at Braddock Bay in the afternoon too.  Couldn't find a parking place by the shelter, so we watched by the side of the road near the first field as you come in.  We saw two resident Kestrels, and Brian caught them mating. They must have a nest nearby.

Isn't is something to watch the raptors form kettles?  Brian says the early morning is usually best beause the raptors are flying lower.  On Friday, Brian and I has a phenomenal watch from Russell Station. We brought our chairs, sat in the middle of the grassy area, and had a nice place for the dogs to play too.

Here is one of my kettle shots from Friday with TVs and a RTH in the middle, and one of the kestrels on Saturday.

~Joyce