In the movie “Dances With Wolves”, Kevin Costner spends his time with a wolf. For me yesterday it was all about Snowy Owls. This winter season has been incredible in terms of the number of Snowy Owls which have migrated down from the Arctic. Since late October, I have personally hand captured / saved two owls which were in distress.
These events as well as my outdoorsy reputation have led to me being included in an article by Minnesota Public Radio, been featured as the Star Tribune’s first outdoors people profile, and other media items via news networks as far away as Europe.
Yesterday I decided my recent fascination with Great Gray Owls needed a break. Thus, instead of birding the wilderness north of town, I concentrated on industrial haunts in search of Snowy Owls. I was not disappointed. Here are some images of three owls I found, returning shortly before dusk when the male Snowy Owl would be active, and not sleeping.
Snowy Owl Sunset
Snowy Ears … Rather than Rabbit Ears (cut the cord!)
Sleepy Snowy Eating Snow
Railroad Tracks Snowy Owl
Didn’t this bird’s Mom teach it not to play on railroad tracks?!
If anyone cares to share, I’d be interested to know of some spots to try to see the Great Greys, Snowys and Hawk Owls while exploring the Bog by my trusty Outback. I’m making the trip up from St. Paul on Wednesday (1/24) and hope to be out before sunrise on Thursday and Friday. With luck, I’ll be looking around after sunset on Wednesday – not sure of my staying power on Thursday, giving that I’m staying in Duluth. Thanks, Tom
Tom: I will be happy to let you know the prime spots to look, but not my secrets! Make certain you arrive at sunrise and focus first of McDavitt Road starting about one mile north of the railroad tracks. You will find a map on the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog web site (Plan your visit page). After McDavitt try Admiral Road. Make certain you drive slowly … less than 10 mph. Great Gray Owls tend to perch on the top of snags, or part way up tree trunks … only occasionally on the tops of trees. Northern Hawk Owls perch on the tops of trees. Both owls are present on McDavitt. After these two roads just pick some other roads and drive slowly. Think habitat. Owls like some open areas next to the roadside in which to catch mice and voles. When the forest abuts the road you will be less likely to find owls (i.e the trees are within a few feet of the road as opposed to 10 to 20 yards of open land)
Thanks very much!
We move from Switzerland to MN last July. I have follow your site since then.
My friends in Switzerland also forward me an article about the second owl you save. Looking forward to meet you some day.
Welcome to Minnesota! If you are up north, please drop me a note!