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Re: ??

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Frode Jacobsen

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Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:19:44 -0400

Dixie et al.,
Nothing is "normal" about such a massive Snowy Owl invasion this far south
of their breeding range. They were forced out of their native range due to
lack of lemmings and other preferred prey and thus also away from their
normal habitat (open tundra). Most of these owls are young and
unexperienced birds
that will prey on whatever is easiest to catch and therefore naturally
attracted to human settlements with abundance of rodents, squirrels, gulls
and ducks all year round. They also have a natural lack of fear of humans
since they rarely encounter humans up north. Since they prefer open
habitats with good viewpoints to scout for prey, they often settle down
along coastline, open farmland with perching posts, and city buildings
surrounding parks and open water.

We should all hope they find their way back north and that they find
suitable breeding grounds with lots of lemmings. As much as we enjoy
seeing these stragglers, we should not rejoyce to much as most of them
will starve to death or die of "un-natural" causes like hydroline
collisions and roadkills.

Happy spring!

Frode Jacobsen
Windsor Mill, Md 21244

 >
>
> Concerning all the reports on snowy owls..
>
> A general question for the Snowy owl experts. Is this normal behavior for
> Snowys?  This much activity during the day and being around cities and
> this
> much human activity?  Are they stressed?  Or merely making their way back
> home North, doing some sightseeing??????
>
>