From 12th January 2014, the southernmost snowy owl seen in France had
been seen discontinuously in Ile de Ré, Charante-Maritime. Many birders
from all over France had come to try their luck with the owl. Of
course, it was the first regional and the news had spread fast in
internet. But on Saturday did not appear anywhere, although there were
groups of birders like these, scoring the most favorable parts of the
Island.
Very early in the morning, suddenly a white figure caught our attention
and our telescopes quickly led to what for us was definitely the snowy
owl ... but seconds later, although there was little light, we realized
that it was a joke, because it was a model, usual thing in France!
especially, as french birders commented, on the island of Ouessant.
But what does it matter? the isle is full of interesting things, and
between rain and rain, good colors appear in the sky, as nice background
to observe groups Brent Goose Branta bernicla bernicla.
At noon, a group of French friends who had already left the island and
was two hours drive made us a phone call: it was relocated! Julien
Gernigon , who shortly before were talking with us in Phare des
Baleines, had found the owl again, and this time it was the real one.
Few animals epitomize the arctic rigor as the Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus.
The strong barred of back are diagnostic of a females first winter.
...and also extending its wings.
Most of the day, it rest. At 5-6 pm starts activity. The white patch on
the ground are a carcass of a Shelduck. The bird tried also to prey a
partridge when the day fell.
Finally, birders were well happy to see this spectacular Owl, in total
more than 100 people throughout the day, all thanks to good search of
Julien Gernigon.
