An extremely rare sight of a snowy owl sent New Yorkers on alert. Bird watchers and wildlife lovers got baffled after Central Park had one of the rarest wild visitors in over 100 years.
According to Paul Sweet, the collection manager of the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History, the last time a snowy bird was spotted in Central Park was back in 1890, that’s roughly 130 years ago. Native to the Arctic regions, the snowy owls whoo breed in the tundra migrate south during the winter. However, spotting them so far south is an extremely rare sighting.
I’ve been asked by a few people about the historic record of Snowy Owl in Central Park. The only one I can find is mid-December 1890 by an L. S. Foster. Published in Proceedings of Linnaean Society of New York, no. 3. 1891, 6. @LinnaeanNY
— Paul Sweet (@pablo_dulce) January 27, 2021
Since last week, when it was initially spotted, Central Park’s snowy owl became an internet sensation with everyone gathering in the park to snap a glimpse of this so rare visitor.
Just incredible to see a Snowy owl in Central Park yesterday! It’s only the second time one has been recorded in the park, the first time being in 1890! Thanks to those that reported the sighting so that so many were able to see this spectacular bird! #birdcp #centralparkbirds pic.twitter.com/ywESRToY8M
— Bradley Kane (@WinoBradNY) January 28, 2021
The SNOWY OWL of the Central Park North Meadow was not much bothered by the crows that gathered around it earlier and that have now returned. People are staying behind distant fences and being quiet and respectful. pic.twitter.com/BKjGPRiKCZ
— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) January 27, 2021
Another action shot I took of the #SnowyOwl and the #Hawk from yesterday. Fun day! @BirdCentralPark @ABA #furloughedbirder #birding #birdingnyc pic.twitter.com/hQDwjFbynb
— Joel Lowden (@bostexnyc) January 28, 2021
However, the authorities ask people to be careful and to not get too close to the snowy owl!
Watch the rare bird wondering the alleys of the Central Park here
Featured Image Credits WinoBradNY/Twitter
