Rare snowy owl makes detour to Marion Reservoir
Bird watchers began gathering at Marion Reservoir this week when a snowy owl was seen Monday.
Snowy owls spend much of the year in the Arctic. They migrate south in the winter but are rarely seen in Kansas.
"When they do show up here, it's usually because of a harsh winter farther north," said Neal Whitaker, park ranger at the reservoir. "Since it's a mild winter, we're not sure why it showed up."
Whitaker said the bird may be a juvenile because part of its plumage is dark. Adults, particularly the males, are completely white. A younger bird also might be more likely to wander off course. An adult is about 20 inches long.
The owl has been staying near the dam, in part because a goose carcass provides a ready meal. Rodents are the usual food source.
Whitaker said the solemn-looking owl attracted a flock of photographers and bird watchers, excited by the opportunity.
"I don't think they qualify as an endangered species, but they are certainly unusual in Kansas," he said.
Whitaker added that eight or so bald eagles have been sighted at the reservoir as well. It provides good habitat for eagles with plenty of tall trees to perch in, and fish and waterfowl as prey.
