This winter people in Chicago have a rare opportunity to see one of the Arctic’s most iconic residents, the Snowy Owl. The owls rarely venture south of Canada’s frozen tundra but on occasion when the population grows too large the young, immature owls are forced south of their normal range to seek their own hunting grounds. Short of taking a trip up to the Artic this may be your one chance to see the largest owl species found in North America.
These beautiful birds have been spotted at Montrose Beach, Northerly Island and near the Museum of Science & Industry. They are not hard to find because they spend most of their time on the ground near the water and their bright white feathers standout against the barren, snowless landscape that is Chicago so far this winter. Or you can just look for the people with enormous telephoto camera lens all bunched together shooting in the same direction.
There are a surprising number of birds of prey that can be seen in downtown Chicago. Since their reintroduction Peregrine Falcons have thrived among the high-rises. Cooper’s Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks and the aptly named Sparrow’s Hawk are often spotted along the lakefront or perched on window ledges.
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