LONG-EARED OWLS - UNFORTUNATE DEMISE

LONG-EARED OWL - PHOTOGRAPHER, WAYNE RENAUD

Last week saw an unprecedented "invasion" of Long-Eared Owls in the park.  On one day, 13 individuals were reported. 

Unfortunately, that number has dwindled down to none.  It was supposed initially that there was not enough food (mice and voles primarily) to support such a large number and they just went somewhere else.

But, in the past few days, observers have witnessed raptor (hawk) attacks on the owls and found  a number of carcass remnants.  The suspect (or one of the suspects) was identified as a Northern Harrier, an uncommon visitor to the park.  It is not known if all the owls met the same fate or whether some moved on because of the threat.

Nature can appear to be very cruel sometimes.  But, on a brighter note, we do have nature in all its forms in our little park and we should be appreciative of that. 

NORTHERN HARRIER (MARSH HAWK)

 

To see a video of a truly amazing Long-Eared Owl migratory "invasion" of a small town in is Serbia, click this link ...