UPDATE FROM THE ARCTIC: Snowy Owl 0 Nest Summer

July 2024

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35th Season for Research of the Snowy Owl

2024 marks the 35th season for the Snowy Owl Project in Utqiagvik, Alaska. Over the past 35 years we have collected all kinds of data on the tundra, from the number of Snowy Owl nests each year, the number of lemmings on the tundra, to the growth rate and plumage development of chicks. We’ve observed years with over 30 Snowy nests and years with none.

Unfortunately, 2024 marks one of the years with no Snowy Owl nests in our 100 square mile study area. This year we only observed male Snowy Owls in our study area, it’s possible the females arrived and left before we stepped foot on the tundra. It is no coincidence then that we found very low numbers of lemmings this year. Lemmings make up approximately 90% of a Snowy Owls diet during the breeding season, therefore if lemming numbers are low, it is unlikely that a pair of Snowy Owls will be able to maintain a nest full of hungry chicks. Snowy Owls will instead move to other areas in the arctic with more lemmings or choose not to nest this year.

Photo Above of Denver Holt, Lauren Tate, and Hayley Madden

However, we did find approximately 20 male Snowy Owls this year and continued to collect data for our behavioral study. We were able to witness owls hunting successfully, roosting peacefully in the sunshine, and spreading their wings in flight across the tundra. We feel truly lucky that we were able to spend the past month observing them from afar, just enjoying their presence.

We were also lucky to be able to witness some of the other wonders the tundra provides. We saw many species of shorebirds, including Long-billed Dowitchers, Semi-palmated Sandpipers, and Red Phalaropes. We watched thousands of eider begin their migration from their breeding grounds. We also witnessed playful Arctic Fox kits venturing out of their dens and experiencing the outside world for the first time.

We will miss the arctic and its cold and unforgiving beauty, until next year when we do it all over again. ~ Hayley Madden 

P.S. Thank you for the Snowy Owl Fund donations, we raised enough to help fix the 4 wheeler and some supplies.

L Photo: Here is a adult male Snowy Owl on the tundra, females have distinctive barring and spotting

R: Photo: An Arctic Fox pup hanging around, it was also a low year for arctic fox reproduction