Bird enthusiasts are amazed at the increasing number of snowy owls migrating from the Arctic to the lower 48 states this winter. Researchers are calling this mass southern migration "unbelievable." Thousands of these large white birds have been seen across the country, feeding in farmlands, perching on rooftops, flying over golf courses, and gliding over shorelines. While some snowy owls typically fly south from their Arctic breeding grounds each winter, it is rare for so many to venture so far away, especially during irruptions. Denver Holt, head of the Owl Research Institute in Montana, described this event as unprecedented and the most significant wildlife event in decades, noting his two decades of study on snowy owls in the Arctic. Holt and other experts on owls believe that the increase in snowy owl sightings in areas farther south than usual is likely due to a high population of lemmings, a rodent that makes up a large part of the owls' diet during breeding months. Last season, there was an abundance of lemmings, leading to a higher number of offspring per breeding pair compared to previous years. This increase in owl population may have caused greater competition for food in the Far North, prompting younger, male owls to migrate southward in search of food. He mentioned that there is a lack of research on the animals due to the difficult terrain they occupy in northern Russia and Scandinavia. The increase in snowy owl sightings has attracted birders from Texas, Arizona, and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, benefiting local economies. The sudden appearance of snowy owls has captured the interest of the public of all ages and backgrounds. Frances Tanaka, a volunteer at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, noted that many visitors inquire about snowy owl sightings. However, reports of malnourished owls at some locations suggest a negative aspect to the migration. Holt stated that an owl that arrived at an airport in Hawaii in November was purposely shot to prevent potential plane collisions. He mentioned that snowy owl populations are thought to be decreasing due to a changing climate affecting the availability of vegetation that lemmings depend on. The recent increase in snowy owl sightings this winter, including sightings as far south as Oklahoma, is still not fully understood. Holt explained that there is a lot of speculation surrounding this phenomenon, but concrete evidence is lacking.