Snowy owl?

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:29 AM

I know you guys will think I'm a thicko..but do you get snowy owls in Dorset(West)?
I have just seen a very white owl...thought at first it was an egret(I think thats what they're called!) but it had rounded wings & a flatter face!

Foz · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:33 AM

There was one in Cornwall last year.

LynM · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:35 AM

If you discover that it is a Snowy, then pm me details of where it is please! It's one bird I would travel to see.

However, I think that it is unlikely. Most sightings of them are in the northern isles and Fair Isle. Perhaps it was a well puffed up Barn Owl?

pammosley · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:36 AM

It says on Wiki that they are visitors to North Scotland, but anything `s possible, especially in these conditions

pliers · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:41 AM

There was one near St Ives on Jan 5th, reckoned to be forced south because ofthe hard weather. Very rare bird but its not impossible, story here.

Snowy owl flies in for cold blast

They have been seen in Dorset before i believe, and they are sold by falconry breeding companys.

regards brian.

tufftie · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:44 AM

They are quite distinctive and as has already been said there has been one in Cornwall.. Perhaps call Birdline and see if it has been reported anywhere?

Picidae · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:46 AM

Barn Owl would be more likely I would have thought. They can appear very 'white' indeed. (Snowy Owls tend to roost during daylight - unless disturbed) whereas Barn Owls are often hunting during the morning, especially if food is a little scarce. I doubt whether a Snowy Owl would go undetected for very long in Dorset, so if it was one, it will be on the bird news alerts (and national news) very soon I'd imagine!

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 08:52 AM

I have seen loads of Barns but not around here..we have loads of Tawnys here but this owl was VERY white I watched it flying over the field we live in so had a long time to observe it!I will keep my eyes open for it!

Foz · #9 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 01:44 PM

Did it look like this?

dunlin · #10 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 02:21 PM

My daughters neighbour has a snowy owl in a cage, its a beautiful bird but im not overly keen on it being caged.

If you can definatly discount barn owl have you concidered short eared owl they can appear very pale in certain light.
It could be snowy owl either genuine or an escapee and if it is im going green with envy.
Keep an eye on the bird alerts and let us know if anyone else reports it.
I would contact your local bird recorder and let them know they may be able to enlighten you
best regards mark.........