Rare Owls Seen in Milwaukee County

The long, late winter has sent three owl species south, looking for food. The DNR has safe viewing tips for people lucky enough to glimpse the great grey owl, hawk owl and boreal owl.

Three species of rare owls have come to Wisconsin from the boreal forests of Canada, looking for food, as the late winter has made it difficult for them in their usual habitat. 

Every few years, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there is a crash in the population of small rodents that forces owls to move south in search of food. Because of it, three species not normally seen here have moved to the area. The northern hawk owl, great gray owl and boreal owl have all been spotted in the state, as far south as Kenosha County. 

"Unfortunately, long winters and early springs, coupled with unfamiliar landscapes, increased roads and other risk factors, have taken a toll on some of these rare visitors," explained Ryan Brady, natural resources research scientist with the DNR. "Great grey owls and northern hawk owls are prone to vehicle collisions as they hunt over roadside ditches. Boreal owls may begin hunting by daylight to find food, and may turn to backyard bird feeding stations in hopes of finding mice attracted to spilled seed."

Continued: http://wauwatosa.patch.com/articles/rare-owls-seen-in-milwaukee-county-8a1572ce