Tips for keeping snowy owls safe during their time in Michigan

Snowy owls could be noticed in Michigan throughout the winter months, however this time of 12 months could be a annoying for the birds.

Snowy owls spend most of their 12 months within the Arctic tundra. They journey to populated areas within the winter and face unfamiliar threats like people, rat poison, and car and energy line collisions.

Consultants mentioned that snowy owls don’t show indicators of concern towards people, which might get them into harmful conditions.

The snowy owl inhabitants seems to be decrease throughout the state of Michigan this 12 months in comparison with the final 5 or so winters, in response to Michigan State College.

Learn: There’s a brand new birdwatching web site, map obtainable for the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Path

The Michigan Division of Pure Sources recommends the next to maintain snowy owls stress-free and secure:

• Give snowy owls area. A superb rule of thumb is to view wildlife from a distance, utilizing binoculars or a scope, somewhat than approaching. In the event you “flush” an owl, or trigger it to maneuver to a brand new space, you’re too shut and have to again away or depart. Even when the fowl doesn’t appear to show indicators of concern, it might nonetheless be scared and confused by your presence.

• Don’t lure owls with audio recordings. Whereas it could be tempting to make use of audio recordings to draw snowy owls nearer to you, listening to one other owl’s name — even a recorded one — could be annoying for the fowl. Snowy owls are solitary and territorial, and the decision of one other fowl can put them on excessive alert.

• Go away “reside baiting” to the professionals. Scientists and wildlife rehabbers use reside bait like mice to entice owls for banding, relocation and rehabilitation. Nonetheless, this apply could be harmful for owls when it’s accomplished by photographers, birders, or others. Baited owls study to affiliate folks with meals, and could also be drawn to harmful locations – like roads or airports – to seek out people.

• Submit your eBird observations to scientists however preserve them hidden from the general public. To stop giant gatherings of individuals and restrict disturbing  snowy owls, preserve your observations non-public. Right here’s a step-by-step information on tips on how to preserve your eBird guidelines hidden.