Batesville, in. — The Indiana Audubon Society says birdwatchers can expect historic numbers of the all-white snowy owl this year. More than 25 snowy owls have already been reported since late fall, and December is the best month to spot the rare visitors.
Snowy owl numbers fluctuate year to year based on their primary prey, lemmings, giant mouse like rodents whose population also oscillates based on food supplies and weather conditions. When populations spike, the owls respond with higher than normal breeding, with some nests containing ten or more eggs. The subsequent invasions later that fall result in not so much a food scarcity, but because of the abundance of food earlier that summer. Young owls tend to leave the arctic each winter, resulting in the larger than normal invasion occurring now.
“The next month or two should shape up to be a great time for those wishing to see Hedwig in the feathers,” said Brad Bumgardner, executive director for the Indiana Audubon. “Bird watching Facebook pages and the Cornell Lab page here are a couple of the best places to seek out current sightings. However, it’s important to remember that these birds are out of their element and observers should keep their distance, as to not stress these already weary, winter travelers.
