OWLS IN THE PARK

SNOWY OWL ON DOCK - Photograph by Julie Hyde

It looks like the predicted "snowstorm" has started.  There have been many reports of a first year male Snowy Owl (or Owls) being seen in the park in recent weeks.  Three different birds were supposedly seen today.  This night-hunting bird(s) is usually seen safely roosting by day on the yacht club dock.  Occasionally Snowy Owls can be found on the rocky headlands, but, with the sharp increase in unleashed dog traffic, that happens rarely now.

"DIGISCOPING"

Here are a few photographs we have recently received from park visitors. One was taken with a cell phone camera through a telescope that a birder let them use.  This technique is called "digiscoping" and can sometimes yield results ..... not always, but worth a shot if you are prepared to ask politely.

The Northern Saw-Whet Owl below was also photographed this morning in the park.  They are very small owls with large, rounded heads that lack ear tufts.  They are about 8 inches tall and weigh around 3 ounces.  By contrast, the Snowy Owl is about 25 inches long and weighs around 5 pounds.

NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL - Photograph by Terry Smith