Historical Archive
Index

12/2...A SNOWY OWL continued at the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston (near Toys R Us), last reported around 2pm on 12/01. Thanks to Marion VanWagner, Barb Mansell, Dave Arner, Sandy Spada, Chet Vincent, Janet Allison, and Binnie Chase for keeping their eyes open and sending us their reports. We also continue to hear concerns about the way the owl is being inappropriately approached by some onlookers who don't understand that they may be doing it harm. Please read on.

12/2...On 11/9, a SNOWY OWL was found at the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston. The owl was reported there daily for a week but only sporadically until 11/25, when it once again became visible to many observers. In fact, on 11/25 there were two Snowy Owls present, as reported by David Arner. According to David, one of the owls was captured that day and taken to the Hudson Valley Raptor center. Bob Kendall reported that this owl subsequently died (possibly as a result of consuming poisoned prey). Another Snowy Owl had died at the Raptor Center last month.

Considering the survival difficulties these owls are having, there is also well-founded concern that people are harrassing the owls (albeit in most cases unintentionally). Please exercise restraint when approaching any wild animal. Snowy Owls often appear tame and can (but should not) be approached quite closely. These northern visitors are under great stress from lack of food and need to conserve their energy in order to survive. Causing an owl to flush forces it to utilize energy unnecessarily and reduces its chances for survival. Several Snowy Owls have already been found near death this year, and one succumbed in spite of medical attention. So, please, enjoy these magnificent creatures from a distance and keep noise to a minimum. If you see non-birders showing interest, you might consider letting them look through your binoculars or scope and using the opportunity to politely educate them on the fragility of these beautiful visitors. Note: Closeup photos, like the ones on this page, are possible without frightening or flushing the bird if telephoto equipment is used. If getting a good shot of a bird requires a close approach, the birder's code of ethics compels us to pass up the opportunity.

Another SNOWY OWL was seen on 11/13 in the fields north of Vanderbilt Mansion on Route 9 and was reported to have been there for several days previous. This one has not been seen again since 11/13; please if you do see it (or any other unusual birds!).

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January, 6, 2007

From Mary Lamping: My neighbors drew my attention to an adolescent Snowy Owl sitting on their boat davit along their open stretch of Hudson River here in New Hamburg.    I can see that it is still sitting there as I write this at 9:45 [on 1/6/07].  If anyone has a chance today, the owl can be seen clearly at the bottom of Division Street where it dead ends and where Water Street takes off to the left.  The dock is straight ahead.  I asked the owners of the property and they welcome birders for this unusual visitor.
 
Several people saw the owl on January 6th, but a number of people went looking for it on the 7th with no success.