Máistir Nádúraí: SNOW = DEAD

2.05.2025

SNOW = DEAD

"We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking."

― Santosh Kalwar

LINK: Snowy Owl seen in New Glarus has died

Of course, it could have died for any number of reasons, but paparazzi'd irruptive northern owls are put at an increased survival disadvantage, which is why I choose not to chase reported sightings or disclose the ones I find. Over the past three decades, I've witnessed far too much unethical behavior surrounding owls reported on eBird and other birding forums.

I mean, these are just the people who eBirded the New Glarus SNOW:

I've heard from those who went there and said it was a complete circus.

Here's the final photograph of the near-Middleton Snowy Owl I took before it moved on. Yeah, this is what a Snowy Owl is supposed to look like during the day—roosting:

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a career in IT, Mike has spent the past 24 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

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