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Tom Weber and Evan Frost

For birders, snowy owl irruption is best seen at MSP airport

Sharon Stiteler scans for snowy owls
Sharon Stiteler scans for snowy owls using binoculars inside of the aircraft viewing area of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. The 2 picnic tables and benches are a hot commodity for birders showing up to watch snowy owls, as the barb wire fence obstructs the view of the airstrip.
Evan Frost | MPR News

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This winter is proving to be an irruption year for snowy owls in Minnesota. Every few years, the populations of the birds increases so dramatically that they expand their range south from the Arctic.

For birders in Minnesota, one prime spot to see snowy owls is the MSP airport.

"To many northern species," wrote Sharon Stiteler in Audubon magazine, "the stark, flat space of an airfield resembles their home on the Arctic tundra."

The best time to see them is between Thanksgiving and Easter, and MSP airport has an official Aircraft Viewing Area that is utilized as much by birders as aviation enthusiasts.

To listen to Weber's interview with Stiteler use the audio player above.

Gallery
7 of 7
An immature female snowy owl perches on a building
An immature female snowy owl perches on a building as a Delta jet takes off behind her at Minneapolis-St. Paul international airport on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.
Evan Frost | MPR News
1 of 7
Sharon Stiteler uses a spotting scope.
Sharon Stiteler uses a spotting scope while standing on top of picnic table to look for snowy owls hanging out on the airstrip at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018. Birders who frequent the airport have identified 3 different snowy owls this winter.
Evan Frost | MPR News
2 of 7
A Delta jet cruises past the air traffic control tower.
A Delta jet cruises past the air traffic control tower at Minneapolis-St. Paul international Airport on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018.
Evan Frost | MPR News