December 27, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 13 . . Scientists To Track Migration Snowy owls stand about two feet and weigh about four pounds. “They are big, personable birds and they do what they want and when they want,” said Assateague Island National Seashore Scientific Communicator Kelly Taylor. Photo by Allen Sklar FROM PAGE 12 largely nocturnal, but during the current irruption on Assateague and other beach areas along the midAtlantic coast they have been readily visible. “They are nocturnal, but because they are migrating and are likely in search of food, they have been seen often in recent weeks along the beaches,” she said. “They are big, personable birds and they do what they want and when they want.” Taylor said scientists have been able to attach what are essentially tracking devices on some of the snowy owls that are visiting the area, which could provide some insight into how they ended up here and where they might be headed next. “Scientists have fitted some of the snowy owls with tracking devices that basically look like little backpacks,” she said. “Using the devices, they hope to be able to identify the reason for this current irruption. What makes them unique is that because they are for birds, they are very small and very light. They are solar-powered, which is pretty neat. Sometimes, you might see a sika deer on the island with a tracking device that is like a batterypowered collar, but the batteries eventually wear out. With these solar-powered devices on the owls, they should stay powered for a long time.” The World Famous West OC’s Special New Year’s Eve 3-COURSE DINNER FOR $29.99 Includes Your Choice Of House Salad Or Soup Entree Choices Bourbon NY Strip With Sauteed Mushrooms In A Jack Daniels Bourbon Sauce Steak & Cake Friday, Dec. 27: Galaxy Collective SATURDAY, DEC. 28 8 oz. Sirloin & Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Jumbo Sea Scallops Broiled In A White Wine & Butter Sauce $15 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RIBS & SHRIMP NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY NO COVER Chicken Chesapeake Grilled Chicken Breast Topped With Crab Imperial Glass Of Champagne & Finish With A Choice Of A Delicious Dessert Also Regular Menu Available • Call For Reservations WITH CK THE DJ 10 P.M.-2 A.M. FREE CHAMPAGNE TOAST AND PARTY FAVORS AT MIDNIGHT NO Party Favors & Champagne Toast At Midnight R After Dinner...Party In The Bar With COVER GREAT DANCE BAND “GINGER” NO COVE New Year’s Day - Hair oF The Dog Party 50¢ Raw Bar & $5 Burgers All Day $4 Bloody Marys & Mimosas Catch All The Bowl Games On Our 54 TVs In HD Stereo Sound GAME ROOM KENO OPEN DAILY LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF 28TH ST. AND COASTAL HWY. 410-289-2020 WWW.PITANDPUB.COM 410-213-1500 ROUTE 611-WEST OCEAN CITY APPAREL SHOP CARRY-OUT