I made another trip to the Bog early this morning. For those of you planning a visit, the number of Great Gray Owls (our locals) seems to be quite good this year. However, if you want to see the Gray Ghost, arrive at least 30 minutes “before sunrise”. The combination of what appears to be a strong vole population plus little snow on the ground is making for easier hunting for the owls (a good thing). However, this means the owls retreat to deep forest perches within a few minutes of sunup. The owls seem a bit more likely to come out a bit before sunset … particularly if the overnight hours included some difficult hunting conditions (such as high winds). Remember, Great Grays hunt with their ears. High winds makes hearing mice and voles much more difficult.
After owling at sunrise, visit one of the boardwalks. The feeders and carcasses make for good bird magnets. There are some nice birds visiting the various feeders, but not yet in huge numbers. There is a lot of natural food still available.
With respect to owling along the North Shore … not much action yet. Further inland snow depths are still not deep. Thus, there is little reason for my friends to push down towards the big lake and the normally lesser snow depths found there. A few Snowies have been reported over in Superior.
Pine Grosbeak at Winterberry Bog / Boardwalk (this morning)
