UNDATED (WSAU-WXPR) — Ornithologists are noting a large influx, or an ‘irruption’ of snowy owls into the Northwoods. The heaviest of all North American owls, tipping the scales at 3 to 6 pounds, their bright white plumage, large yellow eyes, massive feathered feet attract attention.
DNR Conservation Biologist, Ryan Brady, says he reasons for the influx are a bit mysterious, but it’s thought to be related to an increase in the lemming population in Canada. When the small rodents have a population rise, the adults are able to feed their young snowy owls.
“What we’re seeing this year, appears to be, based on a lot of the birds and the way they look, appear to be these young birds. We’re seeing that they had really good reproductive success this year and they have lots of these youngsters moving south to Wisconsin,” he said.
Brady also says the owls are very attractive to see, but cautioned people from getting too close.
“Make sure you give the owl space,” said Brady. “It’s always very exciting to see one of these birds, but they’re also somewhat stressed in some cases., if not many cases. When they come here it’s a long journey. They’re usually young birds. They’re not as experienced. They have have never seen people or cars before. Even though they may be easy to approach, that’ doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing to do.”
Brady says the owls feed on mice and voles when here, but they will feed on other birds, rabbits, largely any creature they think they can get the best of.
Brady says the owls are likely to be around until March or April, then head north again for the summer.
