From Montana Wild Wings

As the cold weather of late has had some of thinking about spring and warmer temperatures, it was a good reminder that some of us like Tika our snowy owl absolutely love this weather! Snowy owls are not here all the time, but sometimes we see them in the winter as they explore lower latitudes than the arctic tundra. They are the largest owl by weight, being fierce hunters having powerful feet with extra-long talons used for hunting animals that can fight back. Lemmings are a favorite, but rabbits and hares make a dandy meal too. The dark barring indicates that Tika is a female. The barring is thought to help with camouflage as a female snowy would protect a nest which is on the ground. A mature male would be mostly white. She was struck by a vehicle near the Sportsman Bridge in Bigfork that cost her a broken wing that we could not repair enough for her to be an adequate flier to hunt anymore, so she became one of our education birds. She has lots of opinions which she asserts on a regular basis. When the temps get cold - she seems to say “buck up buttercup - this is the best time of the year!!”

Stay warm and thanks for your support! For more information on snowy owls - check out information at the Owl Research Institute site - they have been studying snowy owls for a long time and are a great resource!

Thank you Dan Masliah for sharing the beautiful picture of Tika!