Courtesy of a pilot who frequently flies and in and out of the Superior Richard Bong Airport, I learned more about Snowy Owls … including this “dorky looking” bird that I watched last night at the same location. I always thought Snowy Owls were occasionally spooked by planes, but was I ever wrong!
This pilot told me that it is common knowledge at the Superior Airport amongst the pilots that as we move through February into early March as the snow depths lessen, he and his buddies often see Snowy Owls flying parallel to their planes next to the runways. Why? The owls know that the planes often scare up small mammals upon take-off and landings, and it is easy food. These owls are smart!
Non Dorky Snowy Owl in Superior Yesterday Evening at Sunset
The “dorky” owl looks a bit ptarmigan-ish! Thanks for the tip! How close to the runway can we get?😂
Rich: Welcome back to the Lake Superior shores from the beaches of Hawaii! I grew up with the snowy owls on the fence posts in NE Minnesota looking & listening for dinner in the long, golden-orange winter sunsets. Your photos provide a warm recollection of a cold memory. Thank you.