Birding Mail - Kansas Birds - Considering an article on the Snowy Owl invasion for PRAIRIE WINGS

I think this is an incredibly interesting observation, along with the
many other posts that have swirled around this invasion of Snowy Owls
in the central Great Plains. After spring arrives and the owls are
gone (either tragically because they didn't survive, or possibly--
hopefully--somehow returning north), it will be a good time to access
what we have learned, and reflect on this amazing natural
occurrence. I think it could be a subject for a nice feature in the
Audubon of Kansas magazine, PRAIRIE WINGS, for either a spring
edition or the edition that will be published next fall. We've seen
some amazing Snowy Owl photographs and we will consider any that were
ethically made--that means without excessive disturbance of the
birds--although we will be limited by space.

(We had to postpone some articles that we originally wanted to
include in the fall/winter 2011/12 edition including a feature on
BIRDS OF KANSAS, the book and the Caracara photographed in Washington
County.)

We welcome any suggestions, observations or photographs for
consideration as we consider the possibility of an article. Whenever
possible we want to combine science-based biology, natural history
information, personal experiences and observations, photographs, and
conservation considerations. Although our primary focus will be
Kansas, the experience and photographs of Snow Owls in Nebraska,
Missouri and Iowa may add to a potential feature.

We were pleased with the current edition, and think the photo feature
of Greater Prairie-chickens by Glenn Chambers and the personal
article of ranching with prairie-chickens in mind by Bill Browning
set a high standard. The magazine can be seen online at < http://
www.prairiewingsmagazine.org/ > and gratis copies can be obtained by
contacting our office at Audubon of Kansas, 210 Southwind Place,
Manhattan, KS 66503 ( phone 785-537-4385).

I saw my first Snowy Owl about a half mile northeast of Barnes in
Washington County when I was about 15. It was on a fence post in
full view and simply flew to another as we drove by; one doesn't
forget views like that.

--Ron Klataske

On Feb 9, 2012, at 12:10 PM, Paul Griffin wrote:

> Hi Folks,
>
> Yesterday, I found the Butler County Snowy Owl about 500 yards out
> in a field. But, when I looked closer, it wasn't alone. There was
> a hawk near it, pacing back and forth, as the Snowy was mostly
> motionless, intently watching the hawk. The Snowy had it's back to
> me and I was looking at the hawk (which was just beyond the Snowy),
> from the front. At the time I wasn't sure what was going on.
> After reviewing my video last night, here is what I think took place.
>
> The Snowy Owl had a kill, the Red-tail Hawk wanted it (I suspect
> the Snowy Owl had flown in, surprising the hawk, which moved away,
> releasing the kill to the Snowy, but I'm just guessing). As I
> watched, the stalemate continued with the hawk pacing back and
> forth or just watching, with the Snowy sometimes eating some of the
> kill. Then the hawk got more aggressive, it spread it wings
> attempting to intimidate the Snowy. The Snowy stopped eating and
> just watched the hawk. Then suddenly the Snowy lugged at the Hawk
> with it's large wings spread. The Hawk instantly flew a short
> distance away and then the Snowy landed and immediately lugged at
> the hawk again. They did this a couple of times, getting closer
> and closer together, until finally the Snowy had the Hawk on it's
> back. But, then things changed as the Hawk grabbed one of the
> Snowy feet with it's beak. The Snowy didn't like that and tried to
> back off, but the Hawk held on as the Snowy was flapping it's wings
> trying to !
> get away. They went around in a few circles as the Snowy was
> pulling the 2 of them as it was flapping it's wings. Things
> settled down when they stopped and seemed to rest mostly out of
> sight, behind a shallow ridge. The end result was the Snowy few
> away and watched from a distance as the Hawk took over the kill.
> After a few minutes the Snowy flew back to where I was, landing on
> a utility pole about 100 feet away. Later, after it was mostly
> dark, I was able to see the Snowy catch and swallow in one gulp, a
> fairly large rodent.
>
> Happy Birding,
>
> Paul Griffin
>
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Ron Klataske
(email address filtered)

For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
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	(Steller's Sea Eagle by Pete Morris/Birdquest)