Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl Makes Quick Visit to Fredericton

Snowy Owl

On Saturday, November 17, a Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) was seen perched on the roof structure of the Brunswick Baptist Church in Fredericton.  When it was discovered by the local crows they began to harass it.  A video was taken and showed them annoying it mercilessly.  We tried to see it a short time after it was reported but it was gone.  We searched other Fredericton rooftops but unsuccessfully.  I assume the bird flew further up or down river where it could rest and feed in peace.  

Snowy Owl

Above is the Snowy Owl that appeared in the late fall in Jemseg a number of years ago.  These are quite likely young birds leaving the north in search of food.  We have had an influx of northern birds in the last 2 weeks, so it probably means that the food supplies in the north are dwindling.  I have seen reports of Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, Northern Shrikes, and Snowy Owls.  That is exciting for us because it means we will have more birds around our feeders and possibly an exciting Xmas Bird Count.  

For a long time we believed the heavily spotted Snowy Owls were young birds.  That is only partly true.  Older birds can also be heavily spotted.  Some sources state that females and young birds are more heavily marked.  

Snowy Owls normally inhabit the tundra areas of North America.  They prefer lakeshores, marine habitats, and marshes.  When in town they often perch on rooftops.  They feed on lemmings and voles but here in the 'south' they will feed on whatever they can catch, usually rodents but sometimes ducks which they snatch off the surface of the water.  

Snowy Owl [Internet Photo]

Snowy Owls are well built to withstand the cold.  Note the feathers around the face in the photo above.  Their ears are similarly covered.  Their feet are heavily feathered, too.  Their thick covering of feathers holds in a thick layer of warm air, insulating them from extreme cold.  They are often perched near the ground out of the wind where they can watch for prey.  They are diurnal owls so they can hunt during the day or at night.  This gives them an advantage in the long summers of the far north. 

It is quite likely that more Snowy Owls will appear in the province.  Watch for them in your area.  Be sure to admire them from a respectful distance (at least 50 to 100 metres).  When they arrive they are often exhausted and starving.  Being harassed by humans is very stressing to them.  Stay well back and give them a chance to rest and feed normally.