Finally saw the owls (1 Viewer)

lassa8

Well-known member

• Dec 3, 2004

• #1

On Tuesday we had a bit of snow up here, so I asked the ornithology prof here where I might search for short-eared owls. He only knew of one place that someone had seen a couple 2 or 3 years ago a few miles from here, so I went out around dusk and tried to locate some, but I had no luck. I went back again last night with the same results. But tonight I found them! There was just enough light left to see the neccessary markings for ID as they skimmed the field next to the highway. And just prior to that I saw my first rough-legged hawk, making today the best day of the week.

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Dec 3, 2004

• #2

Hi lassa.

Congratulations on your sightings. 2 in one day is pretty darn cool. Your perserverance paid off nicely

 

B

bob parsons

Well-known member

• Dec 3, 2004

• #3

OK--I have a feeling that some Snowies are heading your way. As i said earlier in the week, there is a good chance as many have been seen in S Alberta .

 

lassa8

Well-known member

• Dec 3, 2004

• #4

I'd be thrilled if a snowy made it down here! The closest one I've heard about so far was about 350 miles from here in northwest Iowa.

 

lassa8

Well-known member

• Dec 5, 2004

• #5

I went back the past two evenings, and on Friday night there were two rough-legged hawks and four owls, but last night there was only one hawk, but at least eight owls! I don't think I'd seen more than three owls my entire life before this week.

 

Katy Penland

Well-known member

• Dec 5, 2004

• #6

8 owls!!!! Wow, that is wonderful. Send some of those out west, would you? And I'd absolutely die for a snowy, Bob, so give 'em an extra push south so they reach AZ, okay?

 

lassa8

Well-known member

• Dec 7, 2004

• #7

Tonight I went back and "only" found six owls. I saw the first one at exactly 5:10pm (this is the exact time they've shown up 3 of the 4 nights I've seen them), and it was flying about five feet above and behind my head, I only saw it because I decided to turn around and check the field behind me. I always felt like the owls were toying with me, and I think I got some confirmation tonight. The owls were also extremely vocal tonight, calling from the ground and while flying. Still waiting to get a decent look at the face of an owl.....

 

B

bob parsons

Well-known member

• Dec 7, 2004

• #8

Its early Tuesday am and I just checked Rare Bird Alert. I was right on with Snowy Owls reported in N Dakota so they are moving south as I thought. Which states are south of the Dakotas? Better watch out and Xmas Bird count people get ready!

 

B

bob parsons

Well-known member

• Dec 7, 2004

• #9

Ok now reports from Wisconsin! Stay tuned---how far south have they been reported in the past?

 

lassa8

Well-known member

• Dec 7, 2004

• #10

There was one this weekend in Springfield, Illinois, which, technically, is further south than me here in Kirksville...sigh...

 

Tero

Retired

• Feb 11, 2005

• #11

wants more owls...here..there..everywhere