SNOWY OWLS APPEAR TO BE MOVING SOUTH AGAIN THIS WINTER

SNOWY OWL WITH TRACKING DEVICE

 During the winter of 2011, historic number of Snowy Owls moved south and sightings were common in this region and further south.  Last winter was also another bumper year ... "Snowies" were seen as far south as North Carolina and a pioneering one even ventured out to sea and was observed in Bermuda!  These winter irruptions are thought to occur because of variations in cyclical prey and predator populations in the Arctic (lemming populations typically crash every four or so years), but the exact dynamics still leave many questions.

SNOWY OWL SIGHTINGS - NOV, 2014

A fairly quiet winter was expected this year, but there are indications that another "snowstorm" may be in the air .... probably not of the magnitude that was seen last saw last winter.
This bodes well for those of us who eagerly anticipate the first sighting of this magnificent bird in Sam Smith Park and scan the yacht club dock, waiting for our guest(s) to appear.

Sightings can be tracked at Project Snowstorm.