Wisconsin Drivers Get Front Row Seat To Rare Snowy Owl Flight

Seeing an owl in the wild is a pretty rare thing, but seeing a majestic snowy owl fly alongside you is on another level entirely.

That is exactly what happened in Superior, Wisconsin over the weekend. Crowds gathered near the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds to catch a glimpse of a snowy owl that had been making repeated appearances in the area.

Crowds Gather Near The Head Of The Lakes Fairgrounds in Superior

On Saturday, my wife and kids went to take a look. They ended up getting a lot more than they bargained for. While checking out the snowy owl near the fairgrounds, another onlooker mentioned there was a second owl just down the road.

Get our free mobile app

While they were looking at that owl, it suddenly took off in flight and flew alongside them on Tower Avenue. My daughter managed to capture rare footage of the bird in flight, cruising right next to their vehicle. It is not something you expect to see while driving through Superior.

Why Are There More Snowy Owls In The Great Lakes?

While snowy owls are rare to see, they might not be quite as hard to spot these days, especially in the Great Lakes region, including parts of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.

According to Audubon, an American conservation organization dedicated to protecting birds, the snowy owl is experiencing a significant baby boom. That breeding surge is leading to more sightings farther south than usual.

One expert explained, "There must have been a significant breeding event up there, because there’s a lot of baby owls coming south." The "up there" refers to the Canadian Arctic, the snowy owl’s native home and primary breeding ground.

SEE VIDEO HERE

A Positive Sign With Real Risks

While the increase in sightings is a good sign that the owl population is healthy, it also raises concerns. More snowy owls spending time near populated areas puts them at greater risk of vehicle strikes, exposure to rodenticides, mercury poisoning, and even avian influenza.

For wildlife lovers in Superior and the Duluth area, seeing a snowy owl in flight is unforgettable. It is a reminder of how closely connected the Great Lakes region is to the Arctic ecosystem, and how quickly nature can surprise you when you least expect it.