The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding Michiganders that the elusive Great Snowy Owl could be making an appearance in backyards around the state. Catching a glimpse of the rare, large bird is a highlight of the winter for many bird watchers.
The DNR warns that winter is a stressful time for the bird that spends most of its time in the arctic tundra. Being around humans and urban landscapes are unfamiliar experiences for the owls. Great snowy owls face threats like collision with vehicles and power lines, ingestion of rodent poison, and invasion of their personal space from curious humans.
The DNR says to give snowy owls space. Expect to use binoculars to view the seasonal visitors. If you make the owl fly away, you got too close.
While it might be tempting to call in the owl with audio recordings, don’t do it. Hearing another owl’s call is very stressful for Great Snowy Owls.
Finally, leave “live baiting” to professionals. This is only done for the sake of the owls and can be harmful if used for photography. Owls will start hanging around dangerous places to get easy meals and it will ultimately be detrimental to the owl.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
