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Bell Museum: Owl and Songbirds

Perched against the trunk of a spruce tree is a Great Grey owl (Strix nebulosa), seeking cover from smaller songbirds that have come to harass it. Come evening, any one of these little birds could become the owl's prey. During the day, however, the smaller birds are not in danger. This cooperative "mobbing" behavior, often involving many species, is a common response to owls and other predators. The mobbing birds may drive the owl from the area, but the behavior may also be a way for adult birds to teach their young to recognize predators. A white-tailed deer fawn lies motionless, waiting for its mother to return. Its protective camouflage and lack of scent protect it from predators. Before the forests were logged, caribou were the most common deer species in Minnesota. As the pines were cut and aspen trees became more common, the deer moved north. They prefer to feed on white cedar saplings, changing the composition of northern forests. The foreground of this diorama was constructed by John Jarosz and staff. The background painting is by Francis Lee Jaques (pronounced "JAY-kwees"). It was a gift by the Citizens Aid Society of Minneapolis in honor of George H. Christian.

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Author: Tom Nelson

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