Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

Dec 31, Plum Island, When Is a Snowy Owl Not?

April 26, 2017dec 31 Island owl Plum snowy

0

Posted

Dec 31, Plum Island, When Is a Snowy Owl Not?

1 Answer

0

Posted

From: Thomas Wetmore Date: 31 Dec 2008 10:04am PI/MA Birders, Question: When is a Snowy Owl not a Snowy Owl? Answer: When it is a Glaucous Gull. I made a short, pre-snow trip to Plum Island this morning. While scoping from the Wardens pine grove I came across two Snowy Owls perched on the marshes to the north-west of the Wardens, one this side of the sound/river, the other on the opposite. While still scanning in that direction, a large, white bird flew through the view. Assuming it was one of the Snowys I let it pass and continued the scan. When done I went back to see where the Snowy had gone and immediately found that large, white bird still in flight. It wasn’t a Snowy Owl, however; it was a second-winter GLAUCOUS GULL. When it finally alighted it was very close to one of the Snowys. The gull was so large it dwarfed the nearby owl. This must be the same Glaucous Gull that has been sighted at least six times this December. It is an almost pure white second-wint