Barn Owl spotted

[R. Miller]

I had a barn owl get right up in front of me in the grass of a wildlife management area in SW MN this past weekend. Started doing so quick research and was amazed at just how few are left in the state.

Has anyone else had any experience or spotted any barn owls in recent years?

[Steve Foss]

It's been almost 30 years since I saw a barn owl, and that was in SW Wisconsin near LaCrosse. Great find, MM! Definitely get ahold of the closest Audubon Society chapter or the Minnesota Ornithologists Union to report the sighting so they can confirm it if possible.

That kind of sighting data of uncommon/rare species is vital for ornithologists to expand their knowledge.

You can find the MOU here.

[MN Shutterbug]

And, if you see it again, contact me so I can try to get a photo of it. After all, it is in my part of the state.

[ShawnZ]

That would be a significant ornithilogical event for this state.

Please go to moumn.org and post your sighting. I'm sure several people would attempt to check it out and refind this great discovery! Way to go and congrats!

[R. Miller]

Thanks so much for the info, guys. I knew it was a significant sighting because after so many hours afield, this was my first sighting. It actually jumped up right in front of me in some short grass while I was out walking a wildlife management area. It landed three separate times within 75 yards of me as if it didn't want to leave the area. I have the name of the WMA just south of Slayton if anyone is interested. Definitely an awesome experience.

[Steve Foss]

I have the name of the WMA just south of Slayton if anyone is interested.

Cat's out of the bag now. Fly south, yon owl!

[R. Miller]

Haha. Thanks Steve I'm definitely going to get ahold of MOU tomorrow.

[Borealhunter]

You can email me at [email protected] with directions to the WMA as I know a few birders that would love to check it out since I am connected to the MOU. I personally will not travel all that way to look for it but again I know some that would.

Mike

[MN Shutterbug]

Musky, what WMA was it? I've got an idea odds are pretty slim that it would stick around for a few days, but it may be worth a shot.

[R. Miller]

wirock wma