NORTH AVE BEACH HOUSE DECEASED OWLS

[Tim V.]

I just received a second hand report of two “white owls” found in the upper level of the beach house last week as it was being prepared for the polar plunge event. I’m assuming they were snowy owls, I do not know who is in possession of the owls, but I’d guess the landscaping crew or bathroom attendants found them. They obviously don’t know the importance of their discovery. I am a former ‘retired’ employee of the park district and have moved to southern Illinois. I’m trying to gather info via phone conversations, but it may already be too late, since this was last week. Maybe this can be avoided in the future if proper step are taken. If anybody is interested in following up with me they are welcome to contact me.

[Vera Miller]

I'm curious if you ever learned more about this. I know Snowy Owls would perch on that beachhouse, so did they get stuck inside somehow? And if so can that be prevented?

Vera Miller
Downers Grove, IL

[Tim V.]

Hi Vera, thanks for your concern, here’s what I have been able to find out:

Initially I assumed the owls were trapped, but according to observers they had a way in and out. There was a large infestation of rats in the building they were feeding on, so it looks like they succumbed to rodent poison. The good news is the DNR was called and investigated the situation, this is what I’ve been told. If anyone reading this has a hotline to the DNR people, maybe they can elaborate, I think the situation should be discussed and remedied. Im trying to get pics from park district employees that were there. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be much interest in this topic.