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Recapping The Search for Snowy Owl on Plum Island and Salisbury

By Chris Bensley

Author Lillian Stokes points out duck species from her Stokes Field Guide at Salisbury State Park
Author Lillian Stokes points out duck species from her Stokes Field Guide at Salisbury State Park

The skies were forecasted to be clearing at the time that our field trip was heading out to look for Snowy Owls and waterbirds. But weather can change quickly in New England, and instead we were greeted by snow squalls and a biting chilly wind from the Northeast. Our intrepid Spark Birding group pushed onward, braving the elements, with the hope of catching a glimpse of a snowy.


While we waited for the Park River National Refuge to open, Peter Alden and Lillian Stokes guided us to other areas on Plum Island and across the bridge to Salisbury State Park where there have been sightings in the past week. We were able to view quite a few duck species, including gadwall, American-black Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Eider, Common Loon, Long-tailed Duck, and Black Scoter. We saw a variety of gulls, plus a Northern Harrier. Back on Plum Island, the gatekeeper told us they couldn't open it until late afternoon, so we headed for a consolation lunch at Riptide restaurant. No snowy this time. Attendees received a "rain check" for our next outing, coming up on February 15th.


The next day, with the gate open, Lillian Stokes was able to spot a Snowy Owl in the distance and captured the last photo shown below!





The far-away snowy, blending in with a rock perch.  Photo by Lillian Stokes.
The far-away snowy, blending in with a rock perch, taken the next day. Photo by Lillian Stokes.

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