Bend, Oregon, U.S.A. - According to Chuck Gates, President of the East Cascades Bird
Conservancy this is the first time the Northern Hawk Owl has been seen and
verified in Oregon since 1972.
This bird lives in the far north of Canada and has only come down here because
the food source in it's native area has crashed.
This bird has been seen catching and eating mice and voles for almost a week
now. Hundreds of local birders have been around to see this non-native bird.
The Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula) is about 16" tall with a wing span
of about 28" and weighs about 11 oz. (Sibley's Guide to Birds-copyright 2000).
It's stiking color and the fact that it does hunt by day and night puts it in
contrast to many other owls.
If you intend to view this little beauty, please take binoculars or a spotting
scope along with you (although there is usually someone there who is willing to
share). Please do not attempt to 'sneak up' on the bird as that might scare it
away and then the view would be lost to others.
If you are patient the bird might just fly near you as it did in my photo while
it was hunting. Please be considerate of the neighborhood as much of it is
private property though there is some BLM land.
Disclaimer: This article has been reproduced from http://www.bend.com and placed here for comment.
OwlPages.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information in this article, and does not necessarily agree with the author's opinions.
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