Hi Olyssa several northern owl species (Boreal, Great Gray, Hawk and Snowy) undergo periodic winter irruptions in which they are observed in large numbers much further south than their normal winter range. This is thought to be linked to cycles in their small mammal prey in the breeding range (see, e.g. Cheveau et al. (2004), Oikos 107:190-198). This winter, A Snowy Owl has been observed as far south as Tennessee, and in western Europe there are multiple birds being observed much further south than normal (Channel Islands, Belgium and the Netherlands)
Cheers Richard ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Olyssa Starry <[email protected]> To: Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:21:51 -0500 Subject: snowy owls hi all, i am an ecologist by training, but a bird-watcher by hobby. i've been watching the sightings lists and have heard from friends about snowy owl sightings first in harrisburg pa and then as far south as maryland. is there anyone on this list that has any insights that would explain this/confirm whether or not this is very unusual? thanks, olyssa -- Richard Hall PhD Assistant Research Scientist Odum School of Ecology 140 E. Green Street The University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA Tel: +1 706 542 3971 Fax: +1 706 542 4819 http://www.ecology.uga.edu/hall
