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January 2014

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From:
Betsy Beneke <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Betsy Beneke <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:05:39 -0700
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I've been thinking about all of the snowy owl sightings we've had since early December in Minnesota, and wondering how much these birds might be moving - and more than just a mile or two. Just before the holidays, I was able to find 7 birds in one afternoon while searching Benton, Stearns and Morrison Counties.  Last weekend, making the same kind of search, I could only find two.

So my question is this:  Have some of the Benton, Stearns and Morrison County birds that were here in mid December moved, so the newer sightings from south of us are those same birds?  I can't believe that rodent populations in a particular area are high enough to sustain a bird or two over a long period of time.  Wouldn't they have to move?  Or do they move around anyway, as a normal part of their winter activity?

I know there are a couple of birds in Benton County that seem to have stayed in the same general area since earlier in December, and I'm just assuming it's because they're finding plenty of food.

Betsy Beneke
St. Cloud

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