When most of us think about the Jersey Shore in winter, we imagine empty beaches, howling winds, and a deserted boardwalk. But this year, the shore has an unexpected guest: a Snowy Owl, one of the holy grails among bird enthusiasts.
While some Snowy Owls overwinter along the northeastern coast, seeing one in New Jersey is far from typical. According to Melissa Roach, a biologist in the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Endangered & Nongame Species Program, these appearances tend to occur on a cyclical basis, driven by natural fluctuations in prey availability within the owls’ arctic breeding grounds. In the north, Snowy Owls primarily feed on lemmings, a small arctic rodent. When lemming populations dwindle—something that happens every four or five years—snowy owls are forced to travel farther south in search of food. Some winters bring one or two individuals to New Jersey. Many bring none at all. Because of this, bird watchers in the continental United States can go years without seeing one, giving Snowy Owls a near-mythical reputation.
Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are diurnal, meaning they hunt during daylight hours, a habit shaped by arctic summers where the sun never sets. This makes them easier to spot than most owls, but “easier” is relative: owls are, in general, very elusive. To catch a glimpse of this individual, you’ll have to walk miles over frozen sand in punishing ocean winds, scanning the dunes for what looks like a slightly animated snowdrift. For your efforts, you will be rewarded with a look at one of the most visually striking birds of prey in the world. The Snowy Owl that has appeared at the shore this year is an immature female, identifiable by the black barring across her white feathers.
Why the beach, and not a forest? Well, according to Roach, “Beaches and dunes are superficially similar to Snowy Owl breeding habitat because they are open areas with few trees. They also provide ample hunting opportunities because of the large number of wintering waterfowl nearby.”
And because where you saw a bird matters to some hardcore birders as much as what kind of bird you saw, Snowy Owls in New Jersey tend to draw a large crowd. Bird enthusiasts have therefore been flocking to the area with massive, high-powered camera lenses and spotting scopes, hoping for a glimpse at this Arctic wayfarer. On a good day, you may see her perched on a dune, sitting motionless for hours, peering through piercing yellow eyes.
But here’s where the excitement turns problematic: Snowy Owls are highly sensitive to human disturbance, making the ethics of owl-watching a hotly debated topic among birders. Owls are wild predators on a shoestring energy budget. Every time someone gets too close for a photo, the owl must relocate, burning calories she needs for hunting, staying warm, and flying back to the Arctic come springtime.
“The bird may not fly far, perhaps 100 feet, but the distance adds up quickly if the bird is flushed by multiple people in a day,” explains Roach. “That results in time taken away from foraging while also forcing the bird to exert energy when it otherwise wouldn’t.”This is why I’ve avoided disclosing the owl’s exact location. Wildlife officials point out that one of the most common mistakes observers make is getting too close for a better look or a sharper photo, or posting precise locations online, inadvertently drawing large crowds. If the owl is watching you—even from 100 feet away—that’s a sign she’s already uncomfortable. The best rule of thumb, Roach says, is simple: give the bird plenty of space. Err on the side of caution. Observe from a distance. Let binoculars and patience do the work.
The owl won’t stay forever. When the seasons begin to shift, she’ll make the long journey back to her arctic breeding ground. But for now, for those willing to brave the winter winds and respect her space, she’s offering something priceless: a window into the far north, delivered to a New Jersey beach.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Windle (express written consent given)
Instagram: @benjaminkwindle_photography
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