I designed this multi-cache to take you to a few vantage points where these magnificent birds are frequently spotted, in hopes that you, too, will be lucky enough to spot one while you are here. Bring your binoculars and spotting scopes!
The Snowy Owl breeds during the summer in the Arctic tundra but will travel south in the winter, in search of food. It is a very big bird, typically 20 to 27 inches in length and can weigh up to 4.5 pounds! Snowy Owls prefer open fields and marshes, and are often spotted sitting near or on the ground, surveying their surroundings for food. Unlike other owls, the Snowy Owl is diurnal (most active during the day) and actually feeds around dawn and dusk. You might want to time your visit accordingly.
Although the cache is hidden in an area that is outside the boundaries of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, it is still a very active area for many species of migrating birds. They frequently congregate in the bushes so I hid the cache in an easily accessible area that will not disturb them. There is no need to bushwhack here. It is a small green Geocaching cammoed bison tube. There is a mini log page to sign, but you will have to bring your own pen or pencil.
The coordinates listed above will bring you to the gatehouse of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. There is a $5.00 (per car) entry fee. An annual pass can be purchased for $15.00. The refuge is open from dawn to dusk.
The Snowy Owl’s scientific name is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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Vantage Point #1: N42º 45.CIU W070º 48.NBA
Here, you will find a wooden sign with white letters and numbers:
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Vantage Point #2: N42º 43.VVK W070º 47.YPM
Here, you will find a plaque in memory of:
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Vantage Point #3: N42º 42.GHR W070º 46.JYE
You will find a boulder here, with some names and dates carved in it.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ was born in 1876.
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FINAL STAGE: N42º 42.EAL W070º 46.LMB