Hi all,

This winter is shaping up to be one of the largest irruptions of Snowy Owls in the Great Lakes region, and along the east coast, in quite some time. To date, at least 52 owls have been reported in 23 counties in Ohio. Many of these birds have been short-term visitors, although most or at least many of them have been documented with photographs. Away from Lake Erie, where Snowy Owls will often remain in favorable hunting locales for extended periods, the birds often don’t seem to linger, probably because of a lack of consistent hunting success.

I’ve been keeping tabs on owl reports, and would appreciate hearing about any new reports. I have a map with county distribution and totals for each reported county on my blog: http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/

I’ll update the map later today. Just last night I learned of two additional records: Hocking County, and Licking County. Unfortunately, the Hocking County bird was found as an apparent roadkill, the second such kill I’ve heard about. Given the frequency and distribution of Snowy Owls to date this winter, they could turn up about anywhere. Keep a sharp eye out for big white lumps in the fields or atop poles as you drive about.

Jim

Jim McCormac
Columbus, Ohio
Like Nature? http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/
Like Birds? http://www.ohiobirds.org/

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