NEWBURYPORT — The recent return of snowy owls to the region has rekindled a longstanding debate whether birders and photographers get too close to comfort for the birds of prey. It has also prompted the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to issue a cautionary statement Friday after one was spotted on a refuge beach last week.
“Promoting ethical wildlife watching behavior is critical to our mission at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge,” the statement reads. “We appreciate the many people who have reached out recently for tips on engaging in ethical wildlife observation, as well as how to talk with their friends, family, and other visitors when they witness unsafe behaviors.”
In addition to a statement, the refuge offered a series of tips including staying at least 100 yards away from the birds and other wildlife. Also, if an animal reacts to a person’s presence, he or she is too close.
Last week, the Daily News received a photo of snowy owl resting on a beach. It also received a photo showing about a dozen birders and photographers on what appeared to be the same beach. The photos were posted on social media and immediately drew scores of responses, many of which were highly critical of those on the beach watching the owl.
Steve Grinley, a bird expert and owner of Bird Watcher’s Supply and Gift in Newburyport, said he wasn’t surprised by the back-and-forth debate.
“It’s been a controversy for a while now,” Grinley said.
Birders, Grinley said, tend to be respectful to the point where they don’t post photos or make references to bird locations on social media in an effort to keep crowds to a minimum. Photographers, he added, are not as courteous at times, learning to potential conflicts.
Proof positive of such conflicts took place last winter when instances of unsafe behavior and wildlife harassment associated with two barred owls resulted in the the refuge reducing public visiting hours.
“Restricted visitor access is a last-resort action when other efforts to implement ethical wildlife watching behaviors have fallen short. By sharing these early reminders, we hope to avoid similar closures. We aim instead to foster a strong sense of communal responsibility to respect all wildlife, and the courage to speak up when we witness these behaviors from others,” the refuge’s statement said.
Snowy owls come to the region from their Arctic tundra breeding grounds for warmer winters and more plentiful prey, according to the refuge.
“It’s no surprise that snowy owl sightings tend to draw significant excitement from birders, wildlife watchers, photographers, and other recreational visitors from near and far. With their graceful bodies, expressive faces, and namesake snowy plumage, they’re a thrill to observe in the wild. In exchange, it is our collective responsibility to keep these majestic birds wild by practicing ethical wildlife watching behaviors,” the refuge’s statement reads.
Snowy owls also come to the region looking for food as the pickings are slim in the Arctic Circle during winter, Grinley added.
Should someone spot a snowy owl on a beach, the bird is likely waiting to pounce on prey. Because they’re diurnal hunters (around the clock), they are often spotted in the daytime. Grinley went on to say that contrary to public perception, if a snowy owl is spotted on a beach it is not necessarily in distress or scared.
That being said, according to refuge manager Matthew Hillman, remaining close to or following wildlife from place to place isn’t good for their health.
“Humans often cause the animal to experience elevated stress levels and increased heart rate. Both responses are invisible to the human eye but may negatively affect the animal’s long-term health and reproductive success,” Hillman wrote in an early 2023 column printed by The Daily News.
Hillman went on to write that crowds of visitors may deter smaller prey such as rabbits and voles from coming within striking distance.
“For this reason, we ask that visitors not only keep their distance and minimize noise disturbance, but also move on quickly from these encounters,” Hillman wrote.
Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge President Ted Olsson said some people are “definitely getting too close” to snowy owls when the appear at the refuge, as well as other local areas.
“When a person gets too close they are easily disturbed, even if they don’t take flight. As a result, they may appear to be sitting calmly but in reality they are awake and alert. Sometimes I think people assume that if they don’t fly away you can get closer, which is absolutely incorrect and is likely harming that owl that they are approaching,” Olsson said.
The following guidelines were provided by the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge:
· Give wildlife space; 100 yards at least. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens instead of approaching closer. If an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
· Ensure wildlife always have a safe exit route by not surrounding them, and never follow animals when they leave for another area. This is a good indicator the animal is stressed and fearful.
· Limit your viewing time to no more than 10 minutes. If you are with a group, consider limiting your viewing time to no more than five minutes. This helps reduce stress to wildlife and allows other visitors a chance to share this unique experience.
· Avoid sharing real-time wildlife locations through social media, group chats, or other digital channels. This behavior can result in overcrowding that stresses wildlife and creates unsafe road and trail conditions.
· Never attempt to influence a wild animal’s behavior by flushing, harassing, or playing recorded calls. These actions are illegal and can result in exhaustion and death, especially for birds with limited energy stores.
· Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife is illegal and can make them sick, reduces their ability to hunt independently by creating a reliance on humans, and can result in the animal being euthanized if it becomes aggressive toward humans.
· Share these tips and why it’s important to give wildlife space if you witness unsafe behavior.
· Report wildlife crime by contacting the refuge office (978 465-5753), submitting a law enforcement tip online (https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips), or calling 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477).
Dave Rogers is the editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: drogers@newburyportnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @drogers41008.