Stryx nebulosa

[Swampwalker]

Great Gray Owl

Here are a few frame captures from some video I shot on the weekend. I really miss my 35mm camera.

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1040owl005.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1040owl003.jpg

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1040owl.jpg

[ChokeOnSmoke]

Nice shots.
They are an amazing bird. They are everywhere this year. I read it had to do with the redback voles population dropping up north so the migrated south to feed and then they will return. I don't remember ever seeing an owl in the wild before this year. This year I've seen at least 15... all the great grey.

[Removed_2815]

Nice shots Stewart. I've got some great shots with my 35mm SLR (I don't have a decent telephoto for my digital) of the Great Grey. I was at a far away distance (40 m) but biologists are urging the public not to approach these birds, as doing so might spook them into flight, wasting precious energy that might be the difference between life and death.
Everyone might not be familiar with what's going on, so I'll copy the article.

PUBLICATION: The Toronto Sun
DATE: 2005.01.15
EDITION: Final
SECTION: News
PAGE: 12

OWLS WISE UP, MIGRATE STARVING IN NORTH, RARE BIRDS SEEN NEAR T.O.

STARVING up north, the great grey owl -- on the species at-risk list in Ontario -- has been flocking south to Toronto in a ritual that happens about once every 10 years.
About 300 of the rare creatures have been spotted across southern Ontario with groups nesting along Toronto's lakeshore, mostly in the Leslie Spit area, according to Bird Studies Canada.
"It's wonderful to see, but it's because they are starving up north," said Audrey Heagy, a biologist with the non-profit conservation group.
"Last time some stayed for several years and a lot died. They will stay as long as there's food."
Standing at almost a metre tall, the great grey normally lives from the northern limits of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest to the Hudson Bay Lowlands, but the owls have been forced from its natural habitat because of a shortage of food.
"It's strange for them and it's strange for us," Heagy said, adding once they find a home they become permanent residents.
"Just don't take them in as pets."
The birds eat small rodents or lemmings so they normally won't prey on family pets, she said. Tom Mason, a curator at the Toronto Zoo, said the birds, which are quite tame, are large enough to pick off ducks or geese, and may go for the odd cat.
"If they're hungry they'll eat whatever they can," Mason said.

[Tim and Julie B]

Wow they are amazing. Gotta love owls! Great pics.

[Linds]

What an awesome sight that must've been. I would love to see one of those birds in person (in the wild, just doesn't do the same in captivity).

[Asian Jon]

Originally posted by RMBolton
Tom Mason, a curator at the Toronto Zoo, said the birds, which are quite tame, are large enough to pick off ducks or geese, and may go for the odd cat.
"If they're hungry they'll eat whatever they can," Mason said.

WOW! That's insane...

[Ontario_herper]

Bird watching eh Stewart? lol

[Swampwalker]

Originally posted by Ontario_herper
Bird watching eh Stewart? lol

Shhh Don't say that out loud, people might talk.

[Ontario_herper]

pictures speak louder than words!

[Swampwalker]

Its been so long since I've seen a wild herp, that I got confused.

[Ontario_herper]

Just try not to let it happen again Stewy...

Just remember... look down not up. Follow that simple rule and you avoid being confused all together.

[Swampwalker]

Thanks for the additional info Ryan. I've seen 3 and have heard of several more in this area. They are fantastic looking birds.

[Removed_2815]

Originally posted by Ontario_herper
look down not up.
It's hard for herpers to make that transition to birders. People always ask me about the birds at my study site (seeing as how it's a major migratory stop-over) but I have absolutely no idea what's flying over head. Until these birds start living under rocks and wood, then I don't think I'll ever take notice ;)
Ryan

[Ontario_herper]

That's the attitude Ryan!

Exact same situation at my place of work.

I believe that I'll be seeing the pair of you in a couple of weeks for a little herping?

[Removed_2815]

Yep, it will be my first experience with those odd little neotenic species. Should be interesting!
Ryan

[Swampwalker]

I don't think I'll be able to make it out to that winter field herping event :(