[wisb] Re: Horicon 2 Owl Day

After hearing and seeing images of the Short-eared Owls at Horicon Marsh along 
Dike Road, I decided to try my hand at locating and photographing a SEOW if 
located.  Unfortunately did not get there until a little before 8 am.  While 
traveling down Dike Road a Great Horned Owl flushed from along the water's edge 
and flew across the road eventually landing on the road.  I pulled up slowly so 
not to spook this bird, initially thinking that I had in fact scared up a 
SEOW.  An immature Bald Eagle circled over the GHOW's location causing the owl 
some anxious moments.  Was able to get a couple of shots of the GHOW before it 
flew and then I noticed straight ahead of me a white and black object, 
confirmed through the bins, a Snowy Owl.  I moved slowly up to the within a 
couple hundred yards of the owl, took some pictures, then a truck with a couple 
of hunters caused the owl to fly over to a Muskrat home allowing even better 
looks and pictures (see link
 below).  I believe that this Snowy Owl is an HY female, due to extremely heavy 
barring and no discernible white bib.  Horicon officials stated that she has 
been at the marsh since late last week, possibly Thursday.
 
Also saw numerous Harriers, Tundra Swans (Hwy 49), and my first of the fall 
Snow Bunting (Dike Rd).
 
Link:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/mesquakie8/6379339045/
 
John Longhenry
Rockford, IL
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  • » [wisb] Re: Horicon 2 Owl Day - John Longhenry