They’re Baaaack

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Surprise, Surprise…First Snowy Owl of the 2022-23 Season on Oct 28th. Although it certainly seems a bit early but it’s not the earliest I’ve stumbled across one…that one being October 25th in 2015.

Impossible to say just why the early arrival….perhaps the lack of lemmings which is their main food source in the Tundra and owls are on the move South in search of food.
From what I understand lemming population goes in cycles and are the key factor in the owl numbers.

Every year around this time I ask myself…is this the year for a Snowy Owl Irruption ?
Will have to wait and see.

Masters in Camouflage

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Recent visit to a park where a number of Wood Ducks had been seen was a delight…then the day got even better with a Eastern Screech Owl.
These are one of our smallest owls that are about 8 in. and fairly common…if you can spot them. They are a true master when it comes to camouflage.
Screech Owls are nocturnal and spend their day roosting in a cavity…if you’re lucky they may open there eyes for short periods.

Their diet consists of small rodents that they hunt for at night. Being a small owl their calls are a low, soft series of quavering whistles ( if that makes any sense ) unlike the Booming Hoot of a Great Horned Owl.

You just never know what you’re going to stumble across when out-n-about.

Looks are Deceiving

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Always wonderful to encounter a Great Horned Owl. Never the less one has to keep in mind that these owls have been known to become very aggressive towards humans in order to defend their offspring.
Great Horned Owls can be found in residential areas, city parks, stands of trees, small woodlots where they are able to hunt.
They are fierce predators with great talon strength (not something you want to mess with) that can take large prey like rabbits…even raptors like Peregrines aren’t always safe.
No need for these owls to migrate as they are covered in extremely soft feathers that provides them with insulation for our cold winter weather…as well these soft feathers help them fly very quietly in pursuit of prey.
It’s amazing how they have adapted…with the ability to fly through thick bush/trees without a sound being made.
And no I’ve never had the pleasure of being attacked by a Great Horned Owl…would like to keep it that way.