by Anthony X. Hertzel
Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union
In the fall and winter of 2004-2005, Great Gray Owls moved into northern Minnesota in unprecedented numbers. By the end of the winter season, nearly 4,000 observations had been reported to the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union. By contrast, the previous winter had a more typical 35 reports.
Great Grays can be found throughout the year across the boreal regions of Canada and their range reaches southward into northern Minnesota. They prey primarily upon Meadow Voles, and when these rodent populations crash, the owls must move to areas where either these or other food sources are more readily available. This is a cyclic event, occurring about every three to five years. The birds travel only as far as is necessary, and the southward movement, this year, halted when it reached central Aitkin and Pine counties in Minnesota. Here, more than 200 owls could be counted in one afternoon by persons driving the county roads.
For More Information:
University of Minnesota Raptor Center
http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/
This article appeared in Wilderness News Spring 2005