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Could CH Snowy be Barn?



The continuing story of the Chapel Hill mystery owl continues to intrigue.
In considering the reports so far has the identification of Barn Owl been
considered?

The reason I suggest Barn is as follows:
The owl has mainly been seen at NIGHT.  Barn Owls are typically more
nocturnal than the Snowy Owl, whose habits are largely diurnal.  This may
explain why the owl cannot be re-located on daylight searches.  A Snowy owl
usually sticks out like the proverbial thumb during the day.

The owl has been seen on the ground and in trees.  Barn Owls hunt in open
areas but retire to trees for cover and to consume prey.  Snowy Owls
typically roost, hunt, and consume prey in open areas, rarely if ever
perching in trees.

The owl is in a semi-wooded residential area.  Barn Owls, although rare and
presumably declining, would use this type of habitat.  Snowy Owls show an
extreme preference for large, open areas such as beaches, airfields, and
extensive agricultural lands.

Barn Owls can appear ghostly white, especially if seen at night in a light
source such as a flashlight or headlight, and have brown/tan markings on
the wings that could, in certain light, resemble the black stippling of a
Snowy.

Just a thought.  Would be neat to have a Snowy in CH though!

Steve Shultz
Apex, NC