The 2011-2012 winter is looking to be a promising time for birders to add snowy owls to their life lists, and these elegant birds of prey have already been spotted as far south as Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, far from their typical Canadian range.
About Snowy Owls
The snowy owl (Bubo scandiaca) – familiar as Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig – is a large, white owl with black spots or bars in its plumage and dramatic yellow eyes. Males are smaller and are mostly white with just a few black spots, while females are larger and have more prominent black barring. These are hardy birds that stay in the Arctic year round, but are prone to periodic irruptions that bring them far to the south.
About Irruptions
A bird irruption is a type of irregular migration that occurs in winters when bird populations cannot be supported in their typical ranges. This may be because of a good nesting season that has led to temporary overpopulation, or a food shortage that forces the birds south to find adequate resources. Harsh weather can also cause irruptions. No matter what the cause, however, these winter events are unpredictable and can affect different bird species every year.
Looking for Snowy Owls
If you hope to see a snowy owl this winter, visit open grasslands and shorelines with wide, open areas similar to the tundra that is this raptor's home range. Look for a white lump or bump on the ground or on a low perch, and use good birding binoculars or a spotting scope to zoom in on the owl to see its field marks. These birds typically stay low and have a stocky shape, and looking for that shape is often the best way to spot them.
When looking for snowy owls, it is important to adhere to rare bird ethics and take all necessary steps to protect the bird first and foremost. Avoid approaching too closely, and do not bring pets along when viewing these birds. Try not to draw undue attention to the bird as well, remembering that the birds are already stressed from being in unfamiliar territory. With care, however, it is possible that you can enjoy more than one type of snow this winter.
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