The great grey owl is one of the largest owl species in the world and is a great listener. In the winter months, it uses its incredibly sensitive hearing to pinpoint voles and mice hiding under the snow. But the owl isn't the only predator hunting under the snow. #TheNatureOfThings #WildCanadianYear
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
The great grey owl's feathers form disks on its face that act like dish antennas, catching any sounds in its quiet, wintry world. During the winter, the owl's prey spends its time under the snow, hidden from sight.
Mice and voles spend their winters in the subnivean zone, the seasonal habitat that forms under deep snow, creating tunnels and dens that eventually disappear in the spring melt. But just because they are spending their time beneath the snow, it doesn’t mean they are out of danger. Grey owls can hear small rodents moving under snow nearly half a metre deep.
For the rodents, there's other dangers out there than just above the snow... there's some that go looking for them in their own home.
More Shows:
bit.ly/CBCDocs-WatchMore
Stay Connected:
Twitter: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Twitter
Facebook: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Facebook
Instagram: bit.ly/CBCDocs-Instagram