Like magic, Harry Potter’s owl spotted across US
A snowy owl clings to a powerline, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 near Lake Andes, S.D. The Arctic creatures have been seen from coast to coast more frequently this winter and have reached further south than in past years. (AP Photo/Dirk Lammers)
By DIRK LAMMERS, Associated Press
LAKE ANDES, S.D. (AP) - A species of majestic, mostly white owls popularized by Harry Potter is being sighted in abundant numbers this winter far from both Hogwarts and its native Arctic habitat.
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Snowy owls typically arrive in the U.S. every three or four winters. This year's irruption is widespread, with birders from the Pacific Northwest to New England reporting frequent sightings of the yellow-eyed birds.
Lemmings are snowy owls' main food source, and a plentiful population of the Arctic rodents this summer led to a strong owl breeding season.
Owl researcher Denver Holt says the baby boom is sending many of the youngsters across the border to scrounge for voles, field mice, rats, rabbits and shore birds.
Snowy owls can top 2 feet in height with a wingspan of nearly 5 feet.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)