DNR reports show Wisconsin continues to be a haven for snowy owl viewing. Snowy owls are a northern species that nest worldwide on the treeless tundra near the Arctic Circle. Research Scientist Ryan Brady says while some remain close to their breeding areas, others head south into southern Canada and the northern United States. He says every handful of years large numbers move into Wisconsin, and you can find them in places you least expect.
“…they like open habitats for the most part, so you don’t want to go looking for them in the woods. You want to go looking for them in big open agricultural fields, big open grasslands or anything that mimics that sort of habitat. So wetland complexes that are maybe really large, airports are a common place…”
The reports show this is the third consecutive year the birds will have nested in Wisconsin. As of November 9, nearly 75 snowy owls have been recorded in 37 counties across the state. Brady says the best way to observe the owl is from a distance.
“…so, sitting in your car, turning the car off, not making noise, making sure you’re a nice distance away, so that the bird isn’t spending it’s time with its eyes open watching you, it can either sleep or it can be focusing on hunting food, whatever that may be.”
Brady asks owl observers to report their sightings to Wisconsin eBird at www.ebird.org/wi.
