Community Corner
2 Snowy Owls Spotted Near National Mall: Report
It's the first time in years that the Arctic bird has been spotted in the District.
WASHINGTON, DC -- A pair of snowy owls reportedly have been spotted perched atop the U.S. Department of Agriculture building near the mall.
The Washington Post reports that while they're not visible from most public areas, workers at the USDA have been able to watch the Arctic birds from their offices. The first one was spotted on Jan. 8, and they appear to be quite comfortable in the area.
Snowy owls are extremely rare this far south, but it's not unheard of. A snowy owl was spotted in D.C. back in 2014.
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Snowy owls venture this far south every few years when there is a popular boom and therefore more competition.
I still can’t believe I got to see a snowy owl in DC. It was fun seeing the owl 4 years ago, but I hope for their safety that future owls decide to stay in the rural north! pic.twitter.com/cT3dfi2579
— Alexandra Levy (@AlexandraFL21) January 24, 2018
We had a special visitor in the courtyard of the Freer this afternoon--a snowy owl! Did you catch a glimpse of our friend around DC? pic.twitter.com/hzWtAa4A0B
— Freer|Sackler (@FreerSackler) December 20, 2017
Image via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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