FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] Report of a possible Snowy Owl

[HapC1@xxxxxxx]

I was rabbit hunting today, 12/27/05, at the Dennis-Gray Wildlife  Management 
Area (WMA) in Adair County KY. At approximately 10:30AM I  flushed an owl 
approximately the same size as a Great-Horned, that appeared  completely white. 
The owl was apparently perched in a fairly small tree about  15' - 20' above 
the ground, I say apparently because I did not see him until he  began to fly. 
The bird was almost directly over my head, perhaps 25' from me,  when I first 
saw him. I was able to clearly see his entire underside, his entire  left side, 
to include his head. The body surface areas I could see were 95% or  more 
white.
 
I assure you that I am credible and have no hidden agenda. I have been an  
avid outdoorsman for over 35 years and have some interest in birds and birds of 
 
prey, having worked with federal biologists banding Great-Horned owls in  
Michigan many years ago. I am also an engineer and am not prone to making hasty 
 
assessments. My father was with me and also saw the bird, but from a greater  
distance, he also described it as nearly all white.
 
The WMA is only 70 acres. I saw the bird in a thicket that is directly  
behind the old home, which placed it about 75 yards off the road. I presume it  
was 
hunting as well.
 
I wish I could say with 100% certainty that what I saw was a Snowy Owl and  
did read that their range is extending further south. I thought you should  
know.
 
Sincerely,
 
Greg D. Lavy
Versailles, KY