SLIDESHOW: Snowy Owls Rehabilitate at U of M Raptor Center | Environment

Snow rarely showed up this winter, but snowy owls have invaded Minnesota in numbers not seen here in decades.
     
They’re here in such numbers because their primary food source, the lemming, is in abundant supply. Biologists believe that’s caused a snowy owl population boom, forcing younger birds farther south.

More than 200 sightings have been reported in Minnesota this winter in 43 of the state’s 87 counties, including six of seven metro counties. The birds can be seen right out in the middle of open farm fields because they come from a tundra where there are no trees at all.

But while snowy owls have found Minnesota, they may not always find their way back. When injuries happen, snowy owls are brought to the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center.

Dr. Julia Ponder oversees treatment of the injured owls. So far, 11 injured snowies have shown up at the center. They’re now in serious training trying to get strong enough to fly again.

Once released, they’ll hopefully do what many Minnesotans do during the summer – head north looking for peace and quiet.