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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Snowy owls return to Washington

Big birds spotted in West Side cities

In this photo taken Tuesday, a snowy owl responds to a nearby crow from its perch on the western side of Everett High School. Various crows swooped by trying to harass the owl, but the owl refused to move from its perch on the second story of the building. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

EVERETT – Snowy owls have flown back to Washington.

Several of the arctic birds have been spotted around the Pacific Northwest recently, including in major urban areas such as Seattle and Everett.

It’s typical for snowy owls to arrive in the U.S. every three or four winters.

But last year the number of the white birds erupted. Birders from the Pacific Northwest to New England reported frequent sightings of the yellow-eyed birds.

The birds can top 2 feet in height with a wingspan of nearly 5 feet.

The Everett Herald reported a snowy owl visited Everett High School on Tuesday. It was nonchalant as crows tried to drive it from its perch.