Wildlife Wednesday 12/18/2024

Happy #WildlifeWednesday! The Snowy Owl is the heaviest owl in North America and one of the largest owls in the world. It is native to the Arctic where it spends its time breeding and hunting on the tundra.

While most owls are primarily nocturnal, the Snowy Owl is diurnal, active during the day. During the continuous light of the Arctic summer they will hunt at all hours.

The plumage of the Snowy Owl is mostly white. Males in particular are almost entirely pale white, while females are white with dark black and brown barring. Both sexes have striking bright yellow eyes.

Snowy Owls are occasional visitors to Ohio during the winter, igniting much excitement upon arrival. They are often spotted along the Lake Erie shoreline or in areas of the state with wide open spaces, reminiscent of the tundra they are used to. They also may take up hunting grounds at airports. In the Arctic they rely on lemmings as a staple of their diet, but when they migrate they will switch their target food to other small mammals, waterfowl, and gulls.

These majestic owls are popular among birders and non-birders alike, and when one makes an appearance in Ohio people flock to catch a glimpse of the beautiful visitor from the north. When observing owls of any species, be sure to practice responsible viewing:

*Maintain a respectful distance from the owl so as not to cause it undue stress. If the owl reacts to you, you are too close for its comfort.

*Refrain from trying to lure or bait the owl with food or calls.

*Do not approach the owl or try to get it to move or fly for a photograph.

*Do not use flash photography, especially at night.

*Stay as quiet as possible so as not to disturb the owl or interfere with its auditory hunting and defenses.

*Use binoculars and/or a spotting scope to get the best view, and enjoy watching the owl!