Snowy Owls Surge South: A Chance for Winter Sightings

This winter presents an exciting opportunity for bird enthusiasts in southern Canada and the northern United States to spot snowy owls. According to the Owl Foundation, an Ontario-based rehabilitation centre, two young snowy owls have already been admitted this year, suggesting a potential “snowy owl irruption year.” This phenomenon occurs when an unusually high number of these birds migrate south from the Arctic, often leading to increased sightings in areas where they are not typically found.

Bird watchers have noted that sightings of juvenile snowy owls have occurred earlier than usual. Traditionally, these birds arrive in southern Canada around December or January, but this year they are making their presence known much sooner. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has recently classified snowy owls as a threatened species, highlighting the urgency of monitoring these birds.

Wildlife biologist Brian Hayhoe, who manages the Owl Foundation, shared insights on the current trends. He noted that in previous winters, the centre recorded zero to two snowy owls each year. The early influx this year indicates a significant shift, with other rehabilitation centres across Ontario also reporting similar patterns. Hayhoe remarked, “Rehabbers are kind of like the canary in the coal mine,” underscoring the vital role that rehabilitators play in tracking wildlife trends.

Understanding the Snowy Owl Irruption

An irruption, distinct from regular migration, involves sporadic and significant movements of birds. Guy Fitzgerald, a veterinarian specializing in raptors at the Université de Montréal, explained that snowy owls typically experience these irruptions every six years, with notable events recorded in 2017-2018 and 2020-2021. The most significant irruption in recent history occurred in 2013-2014 when thousands of snowy owls descended from subarctic regions.

These owls often inhabit agricultural fields and coastal areas during winter months. They primarily seek out food sources, which include lemmings, an essential part of their diet. When lemming populations surge, snowy owls tend to produce more chicks, leading to larger numbers of young birds migrating south in search of sustenance. Nicolas Lecomte, a professor at the Université de Moncton who has studied snowy owls for 25 years, noted that irruptions frequently align with years of abundant lemmings.

While the current year shows promise for increased snowy owl sightings, researchers remain cautious. Lecomte indicated that they have yet to identify particularly favorable breeding areas in the Arctic. The true impact of this year’s snowy owl movement may not be fully understood until January, as more owls typically migrate south by that time.

Tips for Observing Snowy Owls

For those eager to witness these majestic birds, they are often best spotted in agricultural fields and along coastlines. Jody Allaire, a communications director for Birds Canada, encourages families to take the opportunity to see snowy owls while respecting their space. Observers should maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds, as their behavior may change if they feel threatened.

Fitzgerald advises that snowy owls are nocturnal and require rest during the day. Disturbing their resting behavior can have negative consequences on their health. Additionally, conservationists warn against practices such as baiting owls with purchased mice, which can lead to dangerous encounters with vehicles.

The snowy owl population has seen a decline of over 40 percent in the last 24 years, according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Birds Canada’s annual Christmas Bird Count has documented a 56 percent drop in snowy owl sightings since 1970. Climate change is likely a significant factor, affecting their hunting conditions and habitat availability during winter months.

As snowy owls venture south, observers are reminded of the broader environmental challenges facing these birds. Scott Weidensaul, a researcher with Project SNOWstorm, hopes that increased visibility of snowy owls will raise awareness about the Arctic’s delicate ecosystem. He stated, “You’re not going to see a polar bear walking down the streets of Chicago, but these snowy owls bring a piece of the Arctic south with them.”

This winter could indeed be a remarkable time for snowy owl enthusiasts, with the potential for increased sightings and a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.