Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls

While many people may have been dreaming of a white Christmas, the lack of snow in our area has made locating one bird much easier. Snowy Owls have returned to overwinter and new sightings are being reported daily throughout Southwestern Ontario. These large owls are often found sitting on the ground in open fields and are much easier to locate without any snow. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

I decided to check out a well-known wintering area west of London for Snowy Owls last week, and quickly located three in a couple of kilometer stretch of road. Knowing that Snowy Owls also like to perch high up on hydro poles, on fences posts, and even on top of agricultural buildings, I scanned high and low searching for these owls. Two of the birds were perched high up on hydro poles, and one was on a fence post. The bird on the fence post could have easily gone unnoticed if there was snow in the background. With no snow accumulation in the forecast for our area until late in the week, I recommend getting out there and searching for Snowy Owls.

IMG 8377 1 - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — When searching for Snowy Owls it is important to look high and low. These owls often perch on hydro poles, fence posts, agricultural buildings, and even on the ground.

When searching for Snowy Owls there are a few things to keep in mind. Patience is key. Snowy Owls will stay in the same area until February or March if not disturbed. Once an owl is located, be prepared to return to the same location many times to achieve and optimal view or photo. Many times these birds will be too far from the road to get a great look or a decent photo. By simply returning another day the same bird may be in a better location providing excellent views and photo opportunities. Remember to be respectful of property owners, fellow birders, and most importantly the owls. So often I see people chasing the owls out in the fields or from post to post hoping to get an optimal look or photo. Keep in mind many of these birds are on private property and land owners do not want birders trespassing on their land. Chasing the owls puts unnecessary stress on the birds, and denies other birders the opportunity to observe the bird. If the view or photo you are hoping for doesn’t present itself, return another day.

11408596914 f515214053 b - Conditions Are Ideal For Locating Snowy Owls — This Snowy Owl, photographed last winter, demonstrates how well camouflaged they are in a snow covered field. Increased sightings and a lack of snow make now the perfect time to search for these owls.

When you do come across a Snowy Owl and wish to photograph it, stay in your car. Snowy Owls are less stressed by humans in cars and you will be able to achieve better and longer views than if you try to approach on foot. If needed, circle back to position your vehicle in an ideal location so you are not shooting into the sun, but stay in your car. Again be patient. If you need to drive down the road to safely turn around, do so. There is no need to jam on the brakes and pull a U turn if you suddenly spot a Snowy Owl on top of a hydro pole. In fact, erratic car movements such as quickly braking, accelerating or turning are more likely to startle the owl causing it to fly. Once in position, roll your window down and shut off your car. Use the top of your door to help steady your camera. Turning the car off will eliminate any camera shake caused by engine vibrations.

By staying in my vehicle I was able to achieve great views of this Snowy Owl and managed several photos. The owl was not stressed by my presence and casually turned its head from side to side as other vehicles passed. Satisfied with my views and photos, I carried on leaving the owl unstressed and in the same location for others to enjoy. Would I have preferred a more dramatic background than a cloudy, rainy sky? Of course I would, but I know I can return multiple times this winter to this area and find the same owls perhaps against a different backdrop. It is more important to me as a birder to put the best interest of the birds first, than to achieve the “perfect shot” as a photographer.

Good birding,
Paul

Take Advantage Of The Remaining Days Of Winter

With the official arrival of spring less than three weeks away, many will remember this winter for different reasons. Some will think back to the record breaking low temperatures, the bitter wind chills and non existent January thaw. Maybe it will be the highway closures, indoor recesses, or dead car batteries. Sure all of these things stand out, but for me it will be the amazing birds that we experienced in our area.

It all began back in December when the Snowy Owl irruption started. Several of these birds were spotted just outside the city with some even within city limits. Many of these birds have been seen time and time again in the same locations throughout the winter months. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see one of these beautiful birds there is still time. Reports of them continue to come in, but once it begins to warm they will quickly be gone. Don’t wait, an irruption like this is not common. This link shows a map of all the Snowy Owls reported to ebird in our area. Latest reports suggest the area of Westminster Drive and Old Victoria Road just south of London may be your best bet to locate a Snowy. Please keep in mind to be respectful of the owls and others enjoying their beauty as mentioned in Be Respectful When Enjoying Nature.

Another highlight and real bonus of the cold temperatures this winter is the abundance of waterfowl that has moved inland to the Thames River. Adding four new species to my life list, including the first winter sighting of Red-throated Loons in our county in 116 years is something I will always remember. Although the numbers and varieties peaked a few weeks ago, there are still some great opportunities to view some beautiful species that would otherwise winter on the Great Lakes. The section of river from Springbank Park to Greenway Park provides the best views and varieties.

Don’t let this winter slip by without taking advantage of the wonderful birding opportunities it has presented us with. I myself was never a fan of winter until I learned to embrace the beauty of nature that only graces us during winter months. Years down the road when everyone is reminiscing about their winter weather miseries of 2013/14, I will fondly remember Snowy Owls and waterfowl.

Good birding,
Paul

Be Respectful When Enjoying Nature

I have always had an interest in birds. Ever since I was a child I have been fascinated by their different sizes, shapes, and colours. Learning to identify them by sight and sound has been something I have spent many hours doing. I have also put in a lot of time learning what type of habitat each species lives in so that I can go looking for specific birds. Over the years I have taken my birding more and more seriously and a result have been adding more species to my life list. It wasn’t until two years ago that I took up photography, as a way to capture my moments in nature so I can relive them over again, as well as share them with family and friends. I am a birder first and a photographer second. I always put the well being of the birds first and also take into consideration the feelings of others. I see far too many photographers who will do anything to get the shot without thinking about how it affects the birds or other people.

The classic example of this behavior is taking place all the time with this year’s Snowy Owl irruption. I have read many times and witnessed with my own eyes the various actions of these photographers from baiting to walking within a few feet of the owls before they fly. I have already covered my thoughts on baiting in a previous blog, but would like to share my thoughts on disturbing the birds.

Snowy Owls have travelled hundreds if not thousands of kilometers south during this year’s irruption. Many of these owls are young birds that have wandered from their territory in search of food. Birds that have travelled these distances are fatigued, hungry, and are already under incredible stress. Being chased from their perches by humans only adds to their stress.

During a recent drive, I noticed a Snowy Owl sitting on top of a hydro pole. I pulled my truck off to the side of the road a safe distance back so as not to disturb the owl. I pulled my camera from my bag and proceeded to take some photos out of my truck window. I knew I could get better shots if I was closer and positioned myself at a different angle to the sun, but I could see the owl was unaffected by my presence, so I respected the owl and kept my distance. A few minutes passed and by this point, three other cars had stopped to watch and take pictures. Everyone was keeping their distance and the owl’s mood did not change. Then one man decided to venture from his van to get closer. As the man approached the owl became restless. It raised up on its legs and began looking around with rapid head movements. The mood of the owl had clearly changed from when it was sitting puffed out with very few head movements. The man walked right up to within 15 feet of the pole when the owl took off over the field and eventually landed on the roof of a farm building, too far for decent photos or even a view with the naked eye. In fact, if I didn’t see where the owl landed it would be virtually unnoticeable from the road. This man clearly had no respect for the bird and the fact that he was causing it stress. He certainly didn’t care either about the other three vehicles of people that arrived before him who were enjoying the owl. What about others that may have come across this owl at the side of the road while driving by? This particular owl would go unnoticed except by the extremely observant passerby. To think this man’s selfishness would deny others the chance of seeing such a wonderful bird upsets me.

The message that I am trying to spread is pretty clear. When out birding or photographing birds ( because many photographers I wouldn’t class as birders) be respectful. Look around, pay attention to those around you that may be enjoying what you see too. Keep your distance and everyone can enjoy nature together. More importantly, respect the birds and the fact that you are in their environment. They don’t come into your home and disturb you, so don’t do it to them. You wouldn’t walk to within a few feet of a tiger or bear for a picture so what makes it okay with a bird? I read a quote a while back and I ask you to remember it next time you are out, “If your behavior changes their behavior, you are too close.”

Good birding
Paul

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My Take On Owl Baiting

With all the Snowy Owl sightings in our area this winter, the common debate about baiting them for photography has risen again. For those of you who don’t know what baiting is, many photographers will take live mice out into the field and release them near owls and other birds of prey in order to get better shots. Not only can food get the birds closer to a photographer, but it can also present what some consider incredible shots. I personally do not bait owls or any bird of prey and do not agree with it for several reasons.

Baiting often takes place near county roads which draw the birds closer to the road resulting in collisions with vehicles. Not only can this cause injury or death to the bird, but to the occupants of the vehicle as well. Wildlife rehabilitation centers treat owls and other types of birds of prey every year with broken wings and other injuries as a result of being hit by cars while swooping down on prey. I viewed several photos last year of a Great Gray Owl in Algonquin Park on a photo-sharing website that was being baited by photographers. After a few weeks of photos, I read that the bird had been killed in a collision with a car. I can only ask myself if this bird wasn’t baited so close to a road would it have been killed? Perhaps it would have found another area to hunt away from traffic if not encouraged by the handouts. Is the life of such a beautiful bird worth it for a picture?

Photographers who bait owls also tend to walk out in the fields in order to do so. This quite often will spook the birds causing them to fly further away or leave the area completely. Not only does this put added stress on the bird, but it also ruins the opportunity for other birders and photographers to view the bird. Many websites that report bird sightings have stopped reporting Snowy Owl and Short Eared Owl sightings for this exact reason. I have read multiple reports this winter of Snowy Owl sightings only to read updates later that the owls were chased from the area by photographers. Snowy Owls, in particular, do not move too far from an area once set up for the winter. They will also return to the same area year after year if not disturbed. If you do not get a look or photo the first time around, keep returning to the spot until you do. The bird will likely be in the same area and if you are patient it will eventually present a good look.

Most photographers that enter farmer’s fields in order to get closer to owls or bait them do not have permission from the landowner and are therefore trespassing. Regardless if you are pro or anti baiting you can’t argue the trespassing debate. If someone walked into your backyard with a camera, binoculars, or a handful of seed in order to view a cardinal you would have a problem with it; so what makes it okay on a farm when the house is a kilometer or more away? Fields this time of year can be planted with winter wheat, in which case farmers definitely do not want you in their field.

This is a very sensitive subject depending on what side you are on. Photographers who do bait will argue that it is legal to do so and compare it to feeding birds in your backyard. I disagree with the comparison to a bird feeder. I feed songbirds in my yard that typically feed on native seeds, insects, and berries. These three foods are not readily available during winter, therefore I am providing food that is otherwise scarce. In my opinion, offering a Snowy Owl a store-bought mouse in an area in close proximity to a city dump is not doing the owl any favours. Why are there so many owls near the dump? My guess is that the dump is a great place to find mice, rats, and gulls; no shortage of food exists for the owls.

Regardless of your position on this subject, try to be respectful of at least one of the following when out searching for owls: other birders, photographers, landowners and of course the owls.

Good birding,
Paul