Officials: Give wildlife its space this winter

The winter months can be a stressful time for wildlife — including birds like the snowy owl that frequent the state’s shoreline during the winter — and state officials are reminding residents to be “responsible and respectful” when they come across wildlife this season.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said many birds pass through Connecticut on the way to their wintering grounds. In Connecticut, the agency said, the birds will stop briefly to rest, refuel and forage. In some cases, certain birds might spend the winter in Connecticut if the weather conditions allow.

Snowy owls have been spotted in various spots across Connecticut in recent weeks, including a sighting by a state environmental conservation police officer on private property and at least two sightings on beaches in Stratford. At least one Stratford instance drew a crowd.

DEEP said when there is a winter influx of snowy owls, and other rare, northern owl species, these birds tend to attract a lot of attention. The agency said that combined with an increase in the number of people seeking solace in nature since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people are still learning how to properly and responsibility view wildlife — prompting possible conflict.

“We all need to remember that these owls are already under stress — they are in an unfamiliar place, they need food, and are competing with other owls and birds for it,”

Jenny Dickson, director of DEEP’s Wildlife Division, said in a statement. “Resisting the urge to get closer for a better look or a better photograph is the best way we can help our special winter guests survive.”

Many sightings in Connecticut are of younger, less-experienced birds, often still getting their bearings on how to hunt and conserve energy in cold weather, DEEP said. When people get too close to the bird, it can cause the owl to fly off and deplete its energy reserves, which are already low.

The state agency said if someone gets too close to these birds, other than flying off, they might look directly at a person and appear frozen in place. DEEP said this means the bird is too nervous to move or hunt, putting it at risk.

“While a single incident may not have long-lasting impacts, it is possible to love ‘snowys’ to death,” DEEP said. “The cumulative impact of prolonged or repeated stress may weaken the bird enough that it cannot survive the winter.”

DEEP said those observing wildlife should resist the temptation to get closer for a better view or photo, give the animal plenty of space and a wide escape route, be alert for changes in the animal’s behavior and never feed wildlife.

Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media A snowy owl sits on a stone jetty near Long Beach West in Stratford on Tuesday. Two of the owls have been seen along the Stratford shoreline and marshes in recent weeks and continue to draw bird enthusiasts from around Connecticut and neighboring states.