Every few years , beautiful two - foundation - tall snowy owls migrate south in telling numbers from the Arctic , in what raspberry watchers call an “ irruption . ” But this year , the purple - look birds ( which belong to the same species as Harry Potter ’s Hedwig ) are showing up farther south and in enceinte number than ever before .
For some this is great tidings ; the arrival of just five of the birds at Smithville Lake in Kansas City , Missouri was enough to attract 1000 of birdwatchers , the majority of whom had never had the chance to see a snow-covered owl in person . Other parts of the nation , however , have not been nearly as welcoming .
“ There are so many across the country , everywhere , by the thousands , ” said Denver Holt , director of theOwl Research Instituteinan interview with the New York Times .
“ One showed up at the drome in Hawaii , and they shoot it , ” said Holt in amazement . “ It ’s the first ever in Hawaii and they shoot down it ! ”
For those wondering what could perchance compel somebody to take down a majestic , never - before - seen bloodless owl : the bird was apparently kill on Thanksgiving when federal functionary revere it would interfere with landings and lampoon . This , of course , demanded nothing curt of quick , life story - snuffing action .
Why so many hooter ? Nobody is certain . For now , most seem content to gather in crowds and gawk at this unusual trial . Unless they ’re a Union functionary in Hawaii .
Read more about this time of year ’s unprecedented influx of snowy owlsover on the New York Times .
Top mental image by Johan J.Ingles - Le Nobelvia ; owl in flightvia
BiologyEcologyHarry PottermigrationScienceZoology
Daily Newsletter
Get the good technical school , science , and culture news in your inbox daily .
News from the future , present to your present .
Please pick out your desired newssheet and submit your email to upgrade your inbox .
You May Also Like
