Snowy Owl – Berks County, PA

Two Snowy Owls were reported at Presque Isle SP on Lake Erie during the past week, adding Pennsylvania to the growing list of East Coast states being invaded by Snowy Owls so far this month. This morning, Loretta Gehman’s husband discovered the state’s third Snowy Owl of the season – this one near Myerstown in Berks County, perched on the roof of Shank Door. Tom Johnson and I were near Harrisburg, watching the continuing MacGillivray’s Warbler, and once we saw the email from Loretta we decided to run over and try to see the owl. By the time we got there, it was lightly snowing and the wind was blowing, but we watched the owl for a half hour as it perched lazily on the roof. Chris Bortz reported that as he was leaving, the owl flew off to the east around 4:15pm. Some other birders were able to find it again at the intersection of Grebel and Hill, where the owl was perched on a chimney. Apparently this may be the 21st Snowy Owl record for Berks County!

Snowy Owl - Berks County, PA (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Snowy Owl – Berks County, PA (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Snowy Owl - Berks County, PA (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)

Snowy Owl – Berks County, PA (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)