FW: [ia-bird] Satellite-tracked Snowy Owl in Iowa

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Kayleen A Niyo

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Dec 17, 2012, 3:52:08 PM12/17/12

to CO-Birds listserv, Matt Wetrich

CO Birders,

Just received this fascinating post by Matt Wetrich, Carroll Co., IA biologist, about the release of a satellite-tracked Snowy Owl. The new facility and SOAR project is new since I left IA! Bob Anderson of Raptor Resource Project has helped along with many others.

Should be fascinating to see where this rehabilitated Snowy Owl goes if she and her tracking device survive the winter. She was brought in for rehab in Jan 2012 and just released Nov 28.

Kay

Kayleen A. Niyo, Ph.D.
Niyo Scientific Communications
Kay Niyo Photography
K...@KayNiyo.com

www.KayNiyo.com
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From: bounce-ia...@lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia...@lists.iowabirds.org] On Behalf Of Matthew T. Wetrich
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 12:14 PM
To: IA-BIRD
Subject: [ia-bird] Satellite-tracked Snowy Owl in Iowa

Birders,

I wanted to inform you that the Snowy Owl that was reported Friday morning (12/14) near the Onawa Exit on I-29 is a bird that is a rehabilitated owl from last winter's irruption event. The reason I know this is because she is wearing a satellite tracking device that will help scientists learn more about Snowy Owl behavior. She was returned to the wild in late November at Owego Wetlands south of Sioux City. She seems to have found her way down to the Onawa area and has set up shop there for over a week now.

This is a project partnered by Raptor Resource Project (of Decorah Eagle fame) and Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR) with assistance from Carroll County Conservation.

If you happen to see her, please report sightings to me so we can add the sightings to the data base. There is an antenna comimg off her backpack that will let you know it is her.

As with all birds, please remember your birding ethics regarding distance of viewing, not approaching, etc.

This is a very excitng project and when there is some additional information regarding her travels and about the project in general, I'll post links to the partnering webpages.

A photo by IOU's head man and a quick synapsis can be seen at SOAR's webpage. www.soarraptors.org

Here is a link to Raptor Resource Project's Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/pages/Raptor-Resource-Project/103786266324668?fref=ts

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