Although typically a relatively rare sight to see in Chicago, the Snowy Owls from the Arctic have invaded the city in record numbers this winter. In fact, a new female owl, hatched in 2011 at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, recently arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo to become a companion for a resident male owl.
“Snowy owls rarely winter south of the Canadian border except in what we call invasion years,” explained Colleen Lynch, Hope B McCormick Curator of Birds at Lincoln Park Zoo. “These years are characterized by harsh winters with low rodent populations, driving the owls to venture further south. Luckily the Northern Illinois shoreline is a hotspot for snowy owls in these years.”
Come visit this cold-weather species in the Zoo’s Birds of Prey exhibit.
Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. Open daily from 10am-4:30pm. 2001 N. Clark. 312/742-2000.
“Snowy owls rarely winter south of the Canadian border except in what we call invasion years,” explained Colleen Lynch, Hope B McCormick Curator of Birds at Lincoln Park Zoo. “These years are characterized by harsh winters with low rodent populations, driving the owls to venture further south. Luckily the Northern Illinois shoreline is a hotspot for snowy owls in these years.”
Come visit this cold-weather species in the Zoo’s Birds of Prey exhibit.
Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. Open daily from 10am-4:30pm. 2001 N. Clark. 312/742-2000.
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