Nebraskaland Magazine
Nebraska’s second Snowy Owl report of the season occurred today (3 December) east of Kearney. The first report involved a bird recovered by Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Recovery a couple weeks ago in Saunders County. Today’s Snowy Owl was first reported by Kent Skaggs on NEbirds. Late this afternoon, I received an independent report, apparently of the same bird, that included photos provided by Diana Merryman. One of her photos is provided, below.
Today’s report in Nebraska prompted me to check eBird to get a broader perspective for where Snowy Owls have been reported this season. Most reports are from expected areas, but interestingly, there have been Snowy Owl reports well south of Nebraska in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma.
Snowy Owls are individually and collectively unpredictable in regards to their movements in winter. We will see if this pioneer is followed by any more of its kind. Good birding!
