Snowy Owl?

[Poirot]

My mum and sister were driving back home last night, when an owl swooped down and barely missed the windscreen. They swear it was all completely white and was a snowy owl.

I am pretty sure they saw a barn owl's white underside, but it got me thinking

Is it possable to get snowy owls here in the north midlands?

Poirot

[Ukwildlifeo]

The only occurence I know of is in the Shetlands were I think there was once a breeding pair. I spose you could always get escapees on the mainland

[RobSutton]

There are birds around most winters in the Outer Hebrides, some individuals even stay over during the summer.

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

The only occurence I know of is in the Shetlands were I think there was once a breeding pair. I spose you could always get escapees on the mainland

Years ago - on Fetlar Walked for miles and miles but didn't see her - there was only one there when we went. Not only that but we also dipped out on a certain Albert Ross - he'd gone two days before!!

[Poirot]

so basicly snowy owls are literally non existant in britain apart from in captivity, and a few isolated islands

Thats so sad

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by Poirot

so basicly snowy owls are literally non existant in britain apart from in captivity, and a few isolated islands

Thats so sad

In the wild they are rare visitors to Britain now, and rarer still outside the Scottish Islands. They do occasionally visit other parts of Britain such as Felixstowe in 2001, which was actually a Canadian bird that jumped ship in Holland.

Undoubtedly they saw a Barn Owl rather than a Snowy Owl. Snowies are also much bigger than any other British Owl and are roughly twice the size of a Barn Owl and they fly predominantly during the day.

Cheers,

Adam

[Kayleigh]

It sounds like a Barn Owl. They do swoop in front of cars regular round here.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

It sounds like a Barn Owl. They do swoop in front of cars regular round here.

I agree - In car headlights they look especially white.