I biked along Sax Zim Bog on Highway 7 in 2005 during a 500 mile four day adventure race with son Zack and two buddies, but didn’t start making winter trips to the bog in search of owls until about six years ago. Since then I’ve made three trips a year and have found great gray owls, northern hawk owls, a snowy owl, a boreal owl, northern shrikes and a variety of song birds from grosbeaks to Canadian jays. (Photo at right of northern hawk owl.)
It is an easy two-hour drive from North Branch to the Meadowlands area, so leaving home by 5:15 AM can get a person up there before sunrise when owls can be most active. I struck out finding owls on my first trip this year (and didn’t see any great grays last winter!), but saw two great grays on my second trip two weeks ago, both owls defying the odds by hunting during mid-day! (Photo at right of great gray owl.)
There are a number of bird feeding stations and a few deer carcasses along the bog roads that tend to concentrate song birds and mammals like marten and ermine. For the times when no great gray owls were observed, I have found marten, northern hawk owls, and many pine and evening grosbeaks to make the trip well worthwhile. Dress for cold winter weather and keep the gas tank full. If you are a photographer, keep your camera ready because as we know glimpses of wildlife can be fleeting. (Photo at right of boreal owl.)
Have patience-I waited five hours over the course of one day for a pine marten to show up in a location they had recently been seen. And know that you won’t be alone in your searching. You’ll see out of state plates from across the country, with most birders and photographers willing to share their experiences and expertise. Can’t guarantee that you will see your targeted species, but I guarantee you’ll experience a day of adventure in that special bog landscape. Check the bog website and their Facebook page for up-to-date information. Safe travels and good luck with your search! (Photo at right of snowy owl.)
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