Great grey owl draws birders to southern Ontario

[Donna]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2011/12/29/wdr-great-grey-owl-kingsville.html Search for food draws owl from the north to Kingsville, Ont.

[BIGFRANK]

Hundreds of people have gone to see this owl. It is pretty used to people. I havent made the trip as yet, and doubt I will as next year should be another irruptive year for Great Gray Owls. That year I saw 22 of them,17 around one field. If you have been following other owl postings lately,the case of these birds is the same. Enjoy them but respect them.
   Only a day or 2 ago Ontario Provincial Police released a statement asking people to be careful where they set up and stand with equipment(not in middle of road) and to park off of the roads. They also asked them not to tresspass.  Our Ministry of Natural Resources, also issued a press release asking people to respect the birds and suggested a respectable distance is 100ft or more to view from. I do know this bird has flown right to those gathered and I wouldnt rush away from it either if it came to me,but I do hope this bird stays safe for the duration of its stay. MNRs warning is a joke,as they rythmed off their "dont harrass,disturb " montra, which they NEVER have enforced EVER. CPF has told them of baiting and other issues with owls and we are told they can do nothing. I hope noone gets sick of me letting everyone know of this,its just that not everyone reads every posting.

[Donna]

BIGFRANK, you just keep up the good work and pass along your knowledge!! Thanks!

[MAK]

BIGFRANK, you just keep up the good work and pass along your knowledge!! Thanks!

 

[Carol P.]

Big Frank.  I agree with everything you say.  A few years ago, we had a Northern Hawk Owl in a town west of Rochester.  So, many people went to see this beautiful creature, including me.  When I was there, everyone was respectful, keeping their distance.  Then I heard that some people were baiting the owl with pet store mice.  Personally, I was livid.  So post away Big Frank.  I totally agree with you when it comes to this subject. 

[Donna]

Some birders not too wise in attempts to view owl

The arrival of the great grey owl has attracted attention from birdwatchers across Canada and the United States — unfortunately it has also resulted in several complaints to the OPP.

Essex County OPP media officer Rick Tonial said some of the bird watchers are creating unsafe conditions in their attempts to view the owl.

He said they have received complaints of birders parking their vehicles unsafely and in unlawful locations.

Tonial said some of the nature lovers wanting to take pictures of the owl are also putting themselves and their equipment at risk.

"A great grey owl has been residing in Essex County since before Christmas and has provided birders with the opportunity to see and photograph this beautiful bird up close," said a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources. "This species is not considered rare in Ontario, but it is rare to see one in southwestern Ontario.

The ministry also warns that people should stay 30-40 metres away from this bird and other raptors to help reduce potential stress on the bird and to avoid human-wildlife conflict.

The great grey owl is protected under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Leamington Post

[MAK]

Pretty owl! 

[BIGFRANK]

It hasnt been seen since Jan 11th. Im hoping its moved on and is away from the circus. Id like to get The Boss to call The Owl Foundation and be sure it hasnt ended up there.