A number of guides I have read indicate that Snowy Owls are primarily
diurnal hunters.
My experience watching Snowy Owls in the New York/New Jersey area over
the years has been that they prefer to mostly snooze during the day and
stretch, preen and fly out at dusk, not dissimilarly to many other owls.
I understand that they will hunt more during the day if really hungry.
But, is it possible that they developed a reputation for being diurnal
hunters because they live in the arctic and have to hunt during long
summer hours of daylight. And, given the option, they will do what most
other owls are known to do?
Ardith Bondi
NYC
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