A rare (for Southern California) Snowy Owl landed on a rooftop in Orange County in December and it caused quite a stir. Messages started spreading among birders here and there, and suddenly, it was a major birdnerd event. News vans showed up to film the bird and the birdwatchers. The neighborhood was subjected to dozens of people who came from near and far to see and document this beautiful wild creature. 

Some neighbors were less than thrilled, but others baked cookies and brought out lawn chairs. It was really an experience. I went to see the bird once and ran into a good friend who helped me find the right house. We went back a second time so that Kim could see it, too. 

The Snowy Owl, which is much more expected sighting up north, is a native to the Arctic Tundra. These birds don’t frequently make it further south than Washington, but this little star made it all the way to sunny Cypress, California. She visited several rooftops during her stay, often moving to a new roof each day. She flew out most evenings, likely going to hunt for dinner, before being spotted in a new, nearby spot the next morning. 

The crowds named the bird Snowy… Some called her Hedwig. It was truly amazing to witness this beautiful creature sitting in Southern California. Experts that came to see her, called the bird a female, first year, likely just a few months old!

How this owl got to the OC remains a mystery - perhaps she caught a ride on a ship? Maybe she flew all the way down here by herself? Some thought she may have been a released bird, but that seems unlikely by the condition and behavior of the bird (according to experts). However she got here, she was really a very welcome guest.

It did cause some concern, especially on a couple very warm 80 degree days, while she was here. She sat up there, seemingly trying to catch some shade from roof vents, and even panting at times. This bird is meant for the Arctic, not sunny SoCal! She seemed to prefer whiter chimneys (to blend in?), and those spinning roof turbines that maybe gave a slight breeze, or just shade. She ate well white she was here, spitting up some owl pellets that proved it. My favorite thing about this bird, other than her ability to seem to SMILE at the camera (photo above), were her huge fluffy feet (photo below)!

Whatever her path, and whatever the reason - this owl was a welcome visitor. It was last seen in Orange County in mid-January 2023, so hopefully it has made a safe journey back north to find her other Snowy Owl friends!