Snowy Owl in Flight

This cache is NOT located at the listed coordinates. Solve the Jigidi jig saw puzzle to obtain the correct information for the actual cache container. In many respects this description is the same as that for the Traditional cache GC3CR60, Avian Rarities of Colorado–Snowy Owl. But this is a puzzle cache using the same image for the jig saw as was featured in the Avian Rarities cache. Find this pair of caches on the Pawnee National Grassland that feature this gorgeous Snowy Owl!

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiaca) nests in the world’s arctic tundra habitats from near tree line north to the edge of the polar seas. In North America, this large, beautiful snow-white owl winters to the very northern portions of the Lower 48 states, and very sporadically farther south. In Colorado it has been rarely encountered in winter–that is, until the winter of 2011-2012! During that winter, a remarkable owl irruption occurred south of the Canadian/U.S. border that brought large numbers of Snowies as far south as the middle latitudes of the U.S. A minimum of 14 different Snowy Owls were confirmed in Colorado that winter; actual numbers wintering in the state were probably considerably higher. Some were even recorded on the plains in extreme southern Colorado (I saw two at very close range in Baca County on January 26,2012, the farthest south record reported at that time in our state).

https://www.jigidi.com/created.php?id=RW2GL694

Until February 13, 2012, the closest known wintering Snowy Owls to the Fort Collins area were in the Barr Lake State Park area near DIA. On that January 13th, an owl was found in a location much closer to Fort Collins, in the square-mile Section of the Pawnee National Grasslands southeast of the intersection of Weld County Roads 49 and 108 (only 23 miles from my home coordinates!). Denali50 and I drove to the locality on Valentine’s Day and had marvelous views of the bird.

So put the jig saw puzzle together. When you place the final piece a message will appear that provides you with the cache coordinates, as well as a useful hint for finding the container. Have a nice drive to the prairie and enjoy your hunt.

Additional Waypoints

01AM3XB - Stage 2
N 40° 46.120 W 104° 38.200
Listed Coordinates