What? An Orange Colored Snowy Owl?
No, it’s not AI
As you’ve probably heard or even saw on social media that they’re has been a Snowy Owl reported and photographed in the thumb area of lower Michigan that has some very unusual and unnatural markings. I had the great pleasure and honor of seeing this beautiful bird myself. Snowy Owls are usually all white with black spots, or no spots at all (Males). This particular owl is white with black spots with an orange top. That’s right the top of the wings, back and head are bright, hunter’s orange. Click on the image to the left for close up.
What do you think would cause such an anomaly? This question has been asked to and from many experts in the field including the head of Project SNOWstorm, Scott Weidensaul. There has been a lot of speculation - anything from mutation to cross-breading, careless airport markings, to beet juice, airport deicer to eating too much salmon or too many flamingos, to what makes the most sense to me, fire-retardant from the Canada wildfires. There is still no confirmation of how, what, why or when and probably won’t be unless she’s safely and professionally trapped, or better yet we get lucky enough to find one of those gorgeous orange feathers for testing. With all that said, the most important thing of all, is that she looks and seems very healthy regardless of the how, what, when or the why? Her location will not be published here in fear that everyone will want to go see for themself.
“Rusty” the Snowy Owl
So happy to have a canvas print of the orange colored Snowy Owl named “Rusty” for my studio. What an anomaly.
My thoughts: Feather detail shows evidence of matting of the feather barbs. Whatever substance it is (fire retardant?) has caused the barbs to stick/mat together, making them 3 to 4 and in some areas up to 10x thicker than a normal feather barb. It didn’t appear to effect her flying, although I suspect it is heavier on her, which may cause for shorter flights. It may also cause wind-noise in flight. Owl feathers in general are frayed/softened at the tips creating little to absolute no noise while in flight, making it easier to sneak up on prey. By the owls appearance, it seems healthy and is eating well.
Update: I saw recent photos (2/23/25) of “Rusty” by a photographer friend of mine, Lori Waltz Dullinger (no relation), which show the orange starting to wash or wear off. Brighter days ahead for this beautiful owl. Lori’s beautiful photos are below (used with permission).
Comparison of color loss over the past two weeks.
Snowy Owls - Visitors From
The Arctic - A Rite of Passage
When the winters in the Arctic get rough, and the Lemmings, their main source of food become scarce, the younger, less experienced Snowy Owls move south for better climate and an ample selection of food. This Rite of Passage is sometimes known as the Great Snowy Owl Irruption. Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas have known hot-spots that I call “playgrounds,” where the young hone their hunting skills before returning to their home in the Arctic. These beautiful creatures are both mystical and mesmerizing to watch. I sincerely hope that you enjoy second-hand, what I have had the great privilege to enjoy somewhat up-close and personal.
Snowy Owls: Visitors from the Arctic Specifications
Approx. 41 pages
Over 50 Full Color Photographs
Adult/Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Independent
Written by Dan Waltz
Illustrated by Dan Waltz
Full Color Paperback: $15.00
Click here to purchase the book $15.00
*The Orange Snowy Owl is not in this book.