New Yorkers were in for a massive surprise on 27th January when a snowy owl was spotted in Central Park. This was the first time in 130 years that such an owl was spotted in the famous park.
This sight sent waves of enthusiasm among bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts in the city, who flocked the Park to catch a glimpse of the rare bird.
Paul Sweet, the collection manager of the Department of Ornithology at the American Museum of Natural History, said that the last recorded sighting of such a snowy owl in Central Park dates back to 1890.
I’ve been asked by a few people about the historic record of Snowy Owl in Central Park. The only one I can find is mid-December 1890 by an L. S. Foster. Published in Proceedings of Linnaean Society of New York, no. 3. 1891, 6. @LinnaeanNY
— Paul Sweet (@pablo_dulce) January 27, 2021
The bird became a viral sensation on social media and hundreds of people came in to watch this historic sighting. Many people put up beautifully captured pictures of the bird on social media. And it certainly looked like the bird was enjoying the attention and posing for the photographs!
Have a look at some of the photographs yourself:
The SNOWY OWL of the Central Park North Meadow was not much bothered by the crows that gathered around it earlier and that have now returned. People are staying behind distant fences and being quiet and respectful. pic.twitter.com/BKjGPRiKCZ
— Manhattan Bird Alert (@BirdCentralPark) January 27, 2021
Have a look at the bird posing for the pictures:
Just incredible to see a Snowy owl in Central Park yesterday! It’s only the second time one has been recorded in the park, the first time being in 1890! Thanks to those that reported the sighting so that so many were able to see this spectacular bird! #birdcp #centralparkbirds pic.twitter.com/ywESRToY8M
— Bradley Kane (@WinoBradNY) January 28, 2021
Here is another beautiful picture:
It was truly wonderful to get the opportunity to see the historic rare appearance of the Snowy Owl in Central Park in NYC even for a moment. (1/27/2021) #NaturePhotography #SnowyOwl #birdcp #birdphotography #wildlife pic.twitter.com/PGOt97Y6ML
— Vee Nabong (@VenusNabs) January 28, 2021
To deter the deluge of people that flocked to see the pretty bird, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation tweeted requesting people to keep distance from the bird.
Isn’t this a sight to behold?
