[wisb] Re: Snowies this winter
- From: Ryan Brady <ryanbrady10@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:24:01 -0700
All the photos I've seen of Snowies in the western Great Lakes so far this year
appear to be immature birds of both sexes, which suggests a good year of
productivity and subsequent dispersal/migration of these hatch-year birds to
the south. From what I understand (perhaps wrongly) this movement may not be
closely tied to current lemming populations on the Arctic breeding grouds. If
we start seeing a significant influx of adults (not just a few, which we get
most years), this probably would be more indicative of lower prey populations
up north.
If you can, take pictures and share them. It doesn't need to be a good picture
for us to learn something about the nature of this year's flight.
Ryan Brady
Washburn, Bayfield County, WI
http://www.pbase.com/rbrady
> From: dhfreriks@xxxxxxxxxxx
> To: wisbirdn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [wisb] Snowies this winter.
> Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2011 06:43:21 -0600
>
>
> William J. mentioned that the lemming population might be way down this year
> which is entirely possible. I did read a report on another list that Snowies
> had a really good breeding year this year. Not sure of the validity of that
> report, but it's possible that a higher than normal population on their
> normal haunts is pushing some birds south as well. Hopefully there is truth
> to that report. Either way, it's looking to be a good winter for people in
> our area to get out and see these magnificent birds! In talking to
> non-birders and beginning birders while watching and photography both the
> Sheboygan and Horicon Snowies, and also in times past, I don't think there is
> a better bird out there that the average person will notice and be as excited
> to see. This gives all of us a chance to help get more people turned on to
> our hobby and also to be aware of the need for bird and habitat conservation
> in general. Assuming that they stay around, the bird in Sheboygan is
> readily viewable from the harbor and there is a viewing deck that allows good
> views of the harbor at the main building by boat storage. It flew around a
> lot while we were there and it was not overly concerned with fishermen on the
> piers or boats nearby in the water. The birds at Horicon were very close in
> to the road yesterday and as long as everyone stays in their vehicle they
> will pay no attention to you. They were about 3/4 of the way down Dike Rd on
> the right hand side yesterday morning spending most of their time sitting on
> muskrat lodges. Good numbers of other raptors around as well. We don't get a
> chance to every year to readily view these birds......take a drive and see
> them if you like and consider bringing a non birding friend or two!
> Especially young people! I was at a presentation last evening and in talking
> to a lady next to me, she was really concerned that they were having a hard
> time getting any younger people to attend the meetings or field trips. I
> did get more photos yesterday at Horicon, haven't had time to go through them
> yet. If anyone is interested just check my pbase site out in a day or two.
> Dave FreriksS. Ohio/ Saukville WI
> www.pbase.com/dhfreriks/new_photos ####################
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