With memes popping up on Facebook and long lenses from around the world arriving every day, the Snowy Owl in Cypress has become a thing. Some say a celebrity.
The bird’s every move is now being tracked. Birdwatchers say it flies off to feed, at Joint Forces Training Base and Los Al Racecourse, but thus far, always returns to the neighborhoods in Cypress.
The Snowy owl spent a great deal of time on Pitcairn Street this past weekend, but just follow the cameras and you’ll find Snowy.
In fact, the bird has generated so much interest that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has reached deep into the hills of Montana to find Denver Holt, an owl expert, to make a presentation Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Cypress Community Center.
“CDFW is partnering with Sea and Sage Audubon Society to host the event with Denver Holt, said Tim Daly, a public information officer with CDFW. “Denver is recognized as a top expert and researcher on owl issues,” said Daly.
The presentation, entitled “The Breeding Ecology of Snowy Owls,” will be presented at the community center, but “it is our intention to also offer a digital zoom link for people to tune in,” said Daly.
According to the information provided by CDFW, “Denver Holt of the Owl Research Institute, has been a leader in owl research education and conservation for over 31 years. As a field researcher, he has spent a lifetime in the field with wild owls observing, recording, measuring and enjoying the natural world.”
“The resulting body of work and its implications for conservation will have a lasting impact on these indicator species as they coexist with our changing world,” it said.
“The recent sighting of the snowy owl in Cypress has generated excitement and curiosity about this amazing raptor. The Sea and Sage Audubon Society, in partnership with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is proud to sponsor this presentation by Denver Holt.”
Now that Snowy is a celebrity, other wildlife protective organizations have issued guidelines they hope the public will observe to protect the Snowy Owl.
• Do not bring your dog: canines are very disturbing to birds and your dog may trigger neighborhood dogs who may all bark.
• Keep your voice down, no loud noises near the owl, no screaming or jumping kids.
• Only stay a few minutes, no need to take photographs for hours.
• Stay at a distance, do you have a long lens? No need to be close (also respect the people living in the neighborhood, don’t use their driveways or block the street).
• DO NOT USE FLASHES, EVER.
Rules courtesy of Jeff Bray Wildlife and Nature Pics.