SNOWY OWLS

During years in the arctic when there is a huge population of lemmings (small rodents), lots of baby snowy owls survive to adulthood. Those young owls move south in huge numbers, called an irruption, and end up in areas such as Ohio. This year, we are experiencing a major irruption of snowy owls, and as many as four have been seen at once in the Fairport Harbor area. If you have ever wanted to see a wild snowy owl, get out to Fairport Harbor Lakefront Harbor, Painesville Township Park, or anywhere else in that immediate lakefront area now!

The best method to catch a glimpse is to use binoculars or a spotting scope to scan the far breakwall for an owl sitting on it, but they can be anywhere in the region. Driving Fairport Nursery Road while scanning the ground, fence and telephone poles may also reveal one of the owls. Remember, the owls move around so it might take some searching and there is no guarantee that you’ll see one, but the odds are in your favor.

If you are lucky enough to see a snowy owl, take some time to observe it. Notice the black marks on its feathers; juvenile females have lots of marks, while adult males are nearly pure white, and all the others fall into the middle. Look at the bright yellow eyes--the only bit of color on an otherwise white and black bird. Lastly, please respect the birds and do not get close to them or make them fly away-view and appreciate them from a distance. Good luck!