. Snowys are now flying south from the Arctic in greater numbers each year for their winter season. Many more young owls have been born after a successful breeding season. The magnificent predator is still available for bird enthusiasts until late February. The number of sightings and reports about snowy owls in North America has increased dramatically over the last week. Seacoast Online quotes Kristen Lamb (executive director, Center for Wildlife, York, Maine), who stated that “the timing is just right.” While we thought that the owls spread in large numbers as they need food, recent research shows it is likely to be due to successful breeding years and more young owls. Last winter more than 50 snowy were observed along the Seacoast. Ms. Lamb stated that it was too soon to know if the number will be similar or greater than last year’s. Windsor International Airport staff in southern Ontario will trap and band snowy Owls, then release them over the coming months. This is roughly the same as last winter. Phil Roberts, Airport Manager said that at most a dozen snowy birds were spotted by airport staff in December. His snowy owl, ‘Hedwig’, will be well-known to children and adults who grew up reading Harry Potter books. Interview with CBC: Mr. Roberts stated that he had seen four to five [banded], in the span of a few days, and two to three more that were still loafing about.” Snowy Owl. The Snowy Owl (Bubo scannercus) is distinguished by its distinctive white feathers, which reflect its Arctic roots. This predator bird breeds on Arctic tundra where the females lay 3 to 11 egg. The amount of food available will determine the size of your clutch. If food becomes scarce, the owl might not be able to breed. The Snowy Owls are usually paired for life and fiercely defend their nests against any threats including wolves. As they age, young males become more white while older females turn a little darker due to dusky spots. Older males may become totally white. Snowy owls can be brilliant hunters because of their sharp eyesight, great hearing and sharp talons. Source: Wikipedia. Lemmings are their favorite food. In a single year, an adult can consume over 1 ,600 Lemmings. About five lemmings per day. The birds eat fish and other animals, including rodents, rabbits, rats, and birds. Although these majestic birds can sometimes remain in Arctic tundra throughout the year, they are much more likely to migrate to Canada and northern USA as well as Europe, Asia, and Europe. The availability of lemmings is often a determinant of how far these birds migrate. Video: Magic of the Snowy Owl
