Snowy Owls Are Back: Stunning First Photos in Massachusetts

The mornings have been colder in Southern New England and though no snow has fallen on our streets yet, something snow-y has arrived in Massachusetts.

The season's first sightings of snowy owls were captured in photos earlier this week, showing us all just how cold things have gotten along the SouthCoast. Typically spending their time in their Arctic breeding ground, temperatures have to significantly drop before they will migrate this far south.

Though spotting one is pretty amazing, there are some important tips for keeping you and the owls safe if you happen to come across one.

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Where Snowy Owls Are Being Spotted in Massachusetts

Beautiful photos of the season's first snowy owls were captured earlier this week at a beach on the South Shore. Now the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife want to remind the public about safety around these stunning creatures.

Why Snowy Owls Migrate to the SouthCoast

Though it's a little hard to believe, Boston's Logan Airport actually has the Northeast's largest known concentration of snowy owls. Each year they migrate around November and the low, flat land around the airport reminds them of their Arctic home.

READ MORE: Whooo Knew Massachusetts Has So Many Owl Species?

While some also head for the SouthCoast shoreline and have even been spotted in New Bedford over the years, most people get a chance to photograph them when they land along South Shore beaches.

How to Safely Photograph Snowy Owls

If you happen to be lucky enough to see one this winter, here are some safety tips to keep in mind before you go in for the perfect shoot.

• Give them space. This means keeping around 150 feet away so that the owl doesn't feel threatened by your presence. Use the zoom on your camera rather than moving closer to the bird to keep them, and yourself, safe.
• Know when to leave them alone. Snowy owls are nocturnal, so when you see them in the daytime they are most likely trying to rest. Small movements like extending their necks or opening their eyes are signs they are disturbed by your presence and you should back away immediately.
• Do not feed them. Obviously feeding wildlife is not advised for any animal. Snowy owls are perfectly capable of catching their own meals and do not need your food to survive.

Recent Massachusetts Snowy Owl Sightings

Just last winter a snowy owl was spotted sitting on a New Bedford bridge and back in 2022 several snowy owl sightings were reported in Westport. Here's hoping the SouthCoast gets a few more sightings of these beautiful birds this winter as well.

READ MORE: Rare Rhode Island Snowy Owl Sighting