Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2021
DOI
10.3356/JRR-19-89
Publication Title
Journal of Raptor Research
Volume
55
Issue
4
Pages
584-593
Abstract
The effects of weather on an individual can often alter the population dynamics of a species. Knowledge of how weather influences individual behavior is therefore essential in understanding its full impact in the context of population ecology. Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) exhibit expensive long-distance migrations in winters following population irruptions. During irruptive movements, many owls migrate past the southernmost extent of their traditional wintering grounds, the mechanism for which is still debated. We propose and test the “milder climate” hypothesis; Snowy Owls wintering in lower latitudes are better able to meet their metabolic demands due to higher temperatures and lower snow cover. During the Snowy Owl irruption of 2014–2015, we examined this hypothesis by assessing the influence of local weather variables on foraging success, frequency of prey capture attempts, and overall activity budgets in a sample of wintering Snowy Owls in New York, USA. We used eBird, an online citizen science resource, to help locate Snowy Owls, which we observed from an automobile. We found that none of the weather variables tested affected foraging success. However, the lack of effect of snow depth on foraging success may suggest that hearing is more important for hunting in Snowy Owls than previously thought. Hunting frequency decreased with increasing temperatures, suggesting Snowy Owls were better able to meet their metabolic demands in higher temperatures. We thus offer support for the milder climate hypothesis; Snowy Owls wintering in lower latitudes may be able to offset the energetic expenses of long-distance movements.
Rights
© 2021 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.
Included with the kind written permission of the copyright holder and the author.
Original Publication Citation
Winter, R. E., & Shields, W. M. (2021). Effects of weather on foraging success and hunting frequency in winter-irruptive snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) in Upstate New York. Journal of Raptor Research, 55(4), 584-593. https://doi.org/10.3356/jrr-19-89
Repository Citation
Winter, Russell E. and Shields, William M., "Effects of Weather on Foraging Success and Hunting Frequency in Winter-Irruptive Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) in Upstate New York" (2021). Biological Sciences Faculty Publications. 468.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/biology_fac_pubs/468