Monday, January 28, 2013

Search for the Snowy Owl

January 26, 2013

Richard Stevens:

Bryan Ehlmann and I drove around a large area northeast of Barr Lake (Adams County) for five hours in search of a closer look at yesterday's Snowy Owl.  It was never relocated.

Our trip took us east to Peterson Mile Road and north to I76.  The field near Prospect Valley where a Snowy Owl stayed for a couple of weeks last year was also checked.  The thought being that this owl could be the same bird that had success finding food there in 2012.

We did learn that a Snowy Owl had been seen off and on for the past 10 days behind a barn/shed on private property in the area.  Unfortunately, unless the Snowy Owl perches on the top of a building, telephone pole or fence post, it may not be relocated.

Bryan and I did stop for a brief walk at Banner Lakes Wildlife Area (Weld County).  American Robins were the most numerous birds.  We did find two Long-eared Owls!

Late in the afternoon, Rebecca Kosten and I drove the 160th avenue area for about two hours.  Again, the Snowy Owl was not found in the waning light.

At one stop at 24383 160th Avenue, 10-12 White-crowned Sparrows got our attention.  We stopped and found a Harris's Sparrow with the flock.  It was our consolation prize for the afternoon.

Raptor count included 11 Rough-legged Hawks, 5 Red-tailed Hawks, 2 Ferruginous Hawks, 2 American Kestrels (pair) and 4 Northern Harriers (all males, which is a little unusual to not have an accompanying female).

No comments: