Birdwatchers, no doubt, are going out of their minds. Snowy owls are relatively rare in New Brunswick, and spectacularly beautiful. I've only ever seen one other and that was twenty years ago, yet my recollection is pronounced.
So why would so many Hedwigs leave Hogwarts North to visit New Brunswick? It's likely on account of lemming populations being low. Maybe the lemmings went on a pilgrimage of their own (i.e. they took a short walk off a long cliff). In any event, we are the benefactors of this feathery, head spinnin' Christmas present. Lucky us.
When you see a snowy owl up close, you'll know it was a gift. They are truly one-of-a-kind in their appearance. Nothing else comes close. Do you want to see one? Good luck. They've been seen everywhere between Dalhousie and Grand Manan, but are tending to be seen in greater numbers along the eastern shores (i.e. Shediac).
Note: today's image must be credited to local ornithologist and wildlife photographer Wendy Nielsen.
Okay, I shouldn't do this, but I must elaborate on Wendy's innate ornithological abilities (Wendy, don't hate me for this). Here's the transcript of an actual bird watching discussion that once took place between us:
Wendy: what's that black bird with the red wings?
Ian: It's a red-winged blackbird.
I kid you not. That story is now comfortably placed near the top of our collective Varty/Nielsen ornithological lore archive (right up there with Julian faking out his grandparents with a bogus hawk sighting).
....And that rustling sound you hear underground is neither an Arctic lemming nor a Grand Lake swamp rat, it's John James Audubon turning in his grave.
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