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 #################### > You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding > Network (Wisbirdn). > To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: > //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn > To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: > //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn > Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn > > #################### You received this email because you are subscribed to the Wisconsin Birding Network (Wisbirdn). To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn To set DIGEST or VACATION modes, use the Wisbirdn web interface at: //www.freelists.org/list/wisbirdn Visit Wisbirdn ARCHIVES at: //www.freelists.org/archives/wisbirdn