Snowy Owl Season – Where to see Winter’s Coolest Visitors

If you’ve ever spotted a stunning white owl perched along the shore or in an open field, you’re not imagining things—snowy owls are real, and they’re here in Boston for the winter! These Arctic natives make their way south every year, seeking out familiar tundra-like landscapes to spend the colder months.

So what the heck is a snowy owl doing in the city?

Well, according to the National Audubon Society, of the 30-plus species of owls in North America, several have learned to thrive in urban spaces. The snowy owl will haunt flat, tundra-like places that mimic their typical northern hunting grounds. Airport tarmacs and beaches are spots where you might find them.  They are almost always found during the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground. 

Where to Spot One

Snowy owls love wide-open spaces that resemble their Arctic home. In Boston, that means beaches, dunes, open parks, and—somewhat unexpectedly—Logan Airport. The airport’s grasslands mimic the tundra, making it a prime snowy owl hangout. But since an airport isn’t exactly the safest place for birds, Mass Audubon and the USDA work to capture and relocate them to safer habitats. Some even get fitted with satellite transmitters, helping scientists track their movements.

Make sure to follow @WildlifeBoston on Instagram for some great photos of snowy owls in addition to some other very cool birds for all you bird lovers!