A pair of snowy owls spotted along Lake Michigan beach draws crowds in Chicago | Hindustan Times

Image Source: Internet

**Revised Title:** Snowy Owls Take Over Chicago's Lake Michigan Beach, Drawing in Throngs of Birdwatchers **Revised Article:** CHICAGO – A rare sighting of a pair of snowy owls along Lake Michigan's beach has captivated the city's bird enthusiasts and drawn large crowds. The Arctic birds of prey, known for their nomadic nature, have been spotted at a beach and pier near the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, sparking excitement among local birdwatchers. According to the Chicago Ornithological Society, the owls have been present in the area for about a week, with some speculating that this could be the year of a possible "irruption," where a large number of snowy owls migrate to the city. While snowy owls are not uncommon in Chicago, their frequency varies greatly from year to year. The pair of owls, which arrived earlier than usual, have stayed longer than expected, leaving many to wonder if this will be the year of a significant migration. On Saturday, over 100 people gathered at a concrete pier to catch a glimpse of the birds, with some even capturing photos and videos of the owls interacting with peregrine falcons. The snowy owls, which typically live north of the Arctic Circle during the summer, migrate to southern Canada and the northern United States in the winter. They are considered "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with a range of food sources, including small mammals and waterfowl, available in Chicago. For many bird enthusiasts, including Alan Hougton, who has been birding for five years, the sighting was an unforgettable experience. "It was awesome," he said of the encounter with the snowy owls. As the owls continue to fascinate the city's birdwatchers, experts from the Chicago Ornithological Society remain uncertain about their next move. "Where they're going is anybody's guess," said Edward Warden, the society's president.