Snowy Owls: The Perfect Aerial Predator for the Arctic
Ranked #197 in Pets & Animals, #5,996 overall | Donates to National Wildlife Federation's Alaska Regional Center
The Silent, Tranquil, and Elusive Snowy Owl
Though the Snowy Owl is globally known, not much is known about their global population. Ongoing research will help tell more about these animals.
Be sure to add your sighting to the Guestbook at the bottom to document your Snowy Owl sighting! Intro photo of Snowy Owl by Fool on the Hill.
Where are Snowy Owls from?
Where the Snowy breeds and migrates

Snowy Owls - (Bubo Scandiacus, previously Nyctea Scandiaca)
Snowy Owls are a bird native to the unwelcoming, icy Arctic Tundra. In the months of warmer months of summer, these owls will stay within the Arctic Circle range. In the winter, the owls will migrate south to Canada, Russia, Greenland, Finland, Norway, France, and Scotland. They often visit the Great Plains of the Midwestern US. Some very rare cases documented migration in Florida, Texas, and internationally, South America and Bermuda. While venturing away from their home grounds, they typically will seek out areas similar to the Arctic tundra--wide open expanses, marshes, farms. Snowy Owls are seldom found in thick, tree-filled areas.
What do Snowy Owls Look Like?
The appearance of this beautiful bird!

In the distance...a duck. In the foreground...a hungry swooping Snowy Owl!
Owl "Ears"
The function of Snowy Owl tufts
Once thought of by many as tuft-less owls, they have now been categorized in the same family as the Great Horned Owls. Though the snowy owls tufts (or ears, as some people may refer to them) are not always erect, they can be seen on occasion. You may be thinking this behavior these is related to hearing, but that doesn't seem to be true! However, they do seem to become erect when they get irritated.Snowy Owls typically are around 23-26" and between 40-70 ounces. A banding system helps keep track of some Snowy Owls across the world, but there are only so many volunteers and workers to keep track of this! Since this bird is so secretive, this makes your first-hand accounts even more important.
Snowy Owl Poll

Picture by doviende
It's not easy to see a snowy owl, especially if you don't live near their migratory areas. Be sure to describe any sightings you've had of Snowy Owls in our guestbook below, as well as voting here!

Snowy Owls in the Tundra
Snowy Owls Have Adapted for Tough Conditions!
The toughest predator in the Arctic?

Based on their habitat, Snowy Owls are generally seen perched on the ground, resembling flat grassy tundra area. An interesting adaptation for snowy owls is related to there being no trees in the Arctic for roosting. Therefore a snowy owl, like all owls, must stay alert and is never truly in a deep sleep. Since they roost on the ground, this is a large factor in why they must remain so alert. Snowys are constantly moving their head, checking out their surroundings ensuring that there are no predators nearby that may be looking to prey on them.
Feathers

They also have small, super-fine feathers. These are so fine, in fact, that some people may think that it is fur. This helps give them the ability to withstand very cold temperatures. The feathers extend down the foot and toes of these birds to protect their feet from the icy grassland they call home. They have long pointed wings and hunt similar to falcons, taking prey on the wing.
Like Vice Grips!

Snowys have super-strong toes to catch and crush their prey...around 200 pounds of pressure per toe! They're fast, too, for an owl-- around 70 mph!

Snowy Owls on the Web
Check out these useful and informative Snowy Owl links!
- Arctic Studies Center
- The Arctic Studies Center invites you to explore the history of northern peoples, cultures, and environments and the issues that matter to northern residents today.
- The Owl Pages
- Owls have fascinated man from time immemorial - to some cultures they are symbols of wisdom, while to others they are harbingers of doom and death. Here, The Owl Pages sheds some light on these mysterious creatures...
- Snowy Owls on Wikipedia
- The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large owl of the typical owl family Strigidae. It is also known in North America as the Arctic Owl or the Great White Owl.
- Pictures of Snowy Owls
- Check out SNOWIES, a short film (12 mins) about snowy owls by Elliot Kennerson that is free to view online for anybody. Denver Holt, one of Montana's foremost owl researchers, appears in the film. The film documents an unusually large congregation of owls in northwestern Montana in 2006.
Snowy Owl Satellite Tracking
Keeping track of Snowy Owls to learn more about this mysterious bird
Not much is know about the global population of this species, so they are currently not labeled endangered. Satellite tracking will help us tell more about this elusive species. Snowy Owls are a federally protected species under the migratory bird act. See the links below for more information.

- Satellite tracking of Norwegian Snowy Owls
- Snowy owls equipped with satellite transmitters in 1999 in Barrow, Alaska, crossed the Bering Strait the following autumn and spent the next summer along the Russian Arctic coast. One year later they were back in Arctic Canada! Due to the satellite transmitters of Albertine, Høst and Yngvar we now have the opportunity to find out if Scandinavian snowy owls participate in the same kind of long migrations between breeding seasons.
- Donate to the Snowy Owl Project
- Help get more satellite trackers on Snowy Owls so more can be learned about this elusive species! Visit this page, and be sure to specify "Snowy Owl Project" as the project you wish to support when donating!
Breeding Facts of the Snowy Owl
Where the Snowy breeds & how often
Photo right: by Steve B.Snowy owls breed in the Arctic Circle range, often in Alaska. Barrow, Alaska has been a huge Snowy breeding ground. In a lifetime, females will breed 1-9 chicks. If prey is scarce, they will not breed that year and wait it out until the next year. Eggs will be incubated in rotations to ensure different hatch times, therefore increasing the chance of survival. Snowys will have different mates each year, and do not mate for life.

A Snowy Owl from the backside gazing out on the open water for prey
Unique Snowy Owl Merchandise
Items for owl lovers
Snowy Owl Wall Clock
A beautiful Snowy Owl in flight over a night background on this wall clock.
Snowy Owl Ornament (Round)
A close-up shot of the Snowy Owl on this round Christmas ornament.
Help save snowy owls from harmful Arctic drilling.
Adopt a Snowy Owl!

With your $25 adotpion, you receive...
6" Tall Snowy Owl Plush
Personalized Certificate of Adoption
5x7 Snowy Owl Photo
Snowy Owl Fact Sheet
Click here to Adopt a Snowy Owl

Photo by hisgett

The perfect lookout to spot the next meal for this Snowy Owl
Recommended Snowy Owl Books
Read more about this amazing Arctic bird!
Snowy Owl Food: Lemmings
One of the Snowy's favorite forms of nutrition!

Picture by kgleditsch
Lemmings are one of the biggest food sources for the Snowy Owls while they are in the Arctic region (a truly essential part of the food chain!).
Hedwig the Owl - Featured in Harry Potter
The famous Snowy Owl from the Harry Potter films
Snowy Owl News
The latest news on Snowy Owls updated every 30 minutes...
- Feeding wild owls may be fun, but it's very harmful
- I will never forget the day I was standing knee-deep in the snow in the so-called Owl Woods on Nuns' Island with my right arm stretched up high and my fingers clasping the tail of a store-bought brown mouse. A CBC cameraman stood with his lens pointed ...
- Seen any snowy owls lately?
- 12:14 pm With the promise of snow to come, there is a smidge of excitement at the thought of wrapping hands... This snowy owl was spotted in Hardin County, Ohio, in December. / Photo courtesy of Nina Harfmann Few north central Ohio residents have seen ...
- Seen any snowy owls?
- This snowy owl was spotted in Hardin County, Ohio, in December. / Photo courtesy of Nina Harfmann SHELBY -- Few north central Ohio residents have seen a snowy owl. Such a sighting is unlikely because these huge birds with five-foot wingspans are ...
- Snowy owls flock to Michigan in unusual numbers
- A young snowy owl is recovering after it was found injured in Muskegon. / SUSAN TUSA/DETROIT FREE PRESS By Tina Lam Experts say that under no circumstances should humans attempt to feed snowy owls, even though some of them might be starving.
How can you Help the Snowy Owl?
Ways to help out the Snowy Owl...

How Will Global Warming Affect Snowy Owls?
Loss of habitat due to rising sea levels will surely not be to Snowy Owls' advantage. Be sure to read the World Wildlife Federation's recommendations on stopping global warming.

Picture by Fool on the Hill
Help the Snowy Owls!
You Might Also Be Interested in These Other Bird Lenses...
Have you Ever Seen a Snowy Owl?
Tell us about your encounter with this bird here!

Like Snowy Owls? Have you seen one and would like to share the experience? Help document them by telling us about your sightings! Just want to say hello? Drop a line here!
Do you have a Snowy Owl picture of your own you'd like featured here? Contact us and we can possibly include the picture along with a link to your page right here!
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LaraineRose Dec 17, 2011 @ 4:40 am | delete
- I enjoyed this lens so much that I came back to bless it. The amazing big horned owls live here where I live. I was fortune enough to see a Snowy Owl one winter. I almost missed seeing it because it blended in with the snowy landscape. Blessed by this angel.
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stellargamebirds
Dec 10, 2011 @ 6:57 pm | delete
- Beautiful bird and amazing lens! Thank you for sharing
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pogfinearts.com
Nov 20, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
- Spotted a Snowy Owl with a wood rat on the Key Peninsula in Washington State 19 Nov 2011
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Muppy
Nov 15, 2011 @ 3:05 pm | delete
- 11-14-2011: We saw a snowy owl perched on a mailbox on Neebish Island , which is in Michigan's UP. It was amazing. We were driving by, saw it, backed up to look at it again and possibly get a picture and it flew away . Wow!
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Bob23
Oct 22, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
- Great INFO FOR MY SNOWY OWL PROJECT!!!!
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SaintFrantic
Oct 17, 2011 @ 11:23 am | delete
- Mighty Bird.Thanks for sharing
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ColorPetGifts
Jun 8, 2011 @ 6:10 pm | delete
- Lovely lens - really enjoyed these owl pictures - have never seen one in person!
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bernie74
May 31, 2011 @ 8:46 pm | delete
- What a beautiful owl, and a fantastic lens, thanks for sharing
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Intuitive
May 30, 2011 @ 12:54 pm | delete
- I'd love to see a snowy owl sometime! I don't think they come to east central Iowa, though. *Blessed and listed on my Creative Squid blog.
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Janiece
Apr 19, 2011 @ 5:20 pm | delete
- Wow, you have some really gorgeous Snowy Owl photos!!
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pheonix76
Apr 8, 2011 @ 4:44 pm | delete
- Beautiful and informative lens!! I live in Western NY (Rochester area) and snowy owls sometimes come down here in search of a meal. One was in the area last week, but unfortunately I was not able to go and look for it. Cheers!
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SandyPeaks Apr 1, 2011 @ 7:53 pm | delete
- Great lens! Never seen one in the wild, but have been close to them at falconry displays. Their feathers are beautiful! Blessed by an All Fools SquidAngel.
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Sylvestermouse
Apr 1, 2011 @ 11:16 am | delete
- I love snowy owls! I have no idea how I missed this lens before, but in a way I am glad I did because today I can leave my April Blessings on this animal lens! Yes, I selected animals for my April 1 neighborhood. Imagine that! LOL
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sukkran
Apr 1, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
- i love that 'fool on the hill' pic. never seen a snowy owl in my life time. thanks for the beautiful pics and info. ~blessed~
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Danelle
Mar 27, 2011 @ 3:58 am | delete
- I had never seen a Snowy Owl prior to this winter, but starting before Christmas I feel almost as if I am followed by them. I work a swing shift and am drive home often about 2am. I find myself keeping an eye out and seeing them sometimes multiple times a week. What a sight they are! I live in Washington State and have heard that they seem to disappear after about mid March in our region. I'll miss their company on the drive home and am looking forward to next winter, when hopefully, we can meet again!
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everythingsbaby
Mar 21, 2011 @ 8:35 am | delete
- This is so beautiful, very well organized lens.
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tsp8ntball
Mar 14, 2011 @ 8:52 am | delete
- Fascinating lens. Thank you for a look at this beautiful creature.
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SereneSea
Mar 10, 2011 @ 11:11 pm | delete
- Such a beautiful lens on owls, the photographs are feast to eyes and reading the lens is satisfying. Perfect tribute to the white beauties - the snowy owls.
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LissaKlar
Mar 9, 2011 @ 9:24 pm | delete
- These are some beautiful pictures! The only snowy owl I've ever spotted is Hedwig! I don't live close to a place where I could see one but I think they are magnificent and I appreciate your pictures and all the information. I found this lens because it was featured on the SquidBlog. Congratulations on that and your purple star:)
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capriliz
Mar 9, 2011 @ 9:47 am | delete
- What a beautiful creature! You have a wonderful collection of photos that show how magnificent the Snowy Owl really is. Congratulations on your purple star.
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KarateKatGraphics Mar 9, 2011 @ 7:37 am | delete
- Gorgeous animals!!
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JeanJohnson
Mar 5, 2011 @ 2:15 pm | delete
- The pictures you have are very nice, they are cute. So many amazing creatures.
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LOLteez
Feb 17, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
- SO BEAUTIFUL! Lensrolled to Owl Shirts and Gifts.
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MissMerFaery
Feb 3, 2011 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- I love all owls but the Snowy is my favourite. Beautiful lens! Blessed by a MerAngel
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Tipi
Jan 16, 2011 @ 9:39 pm | delete
- We would see Snowy Owls now and then in the winter at Kabetogama growing up but I haven't seen one now for many years ~ it is a thrill every time! You did the Snowy Owl proud here, beautiful!
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Ladymermaid
Dec 31, 2010 @ 12:24 pm | delete
- A beautiful portrayal of a magnificent bird. Best wishes in the New Year.
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livingfrontiers Nov 28, 2010 @ 8:27 pm | delete
- Great Lens! I love all the pictures.
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WildFacesGallery
Nov 16, 2010 @ 4:46 pm | delete
- I love owls and snowy owls in particular are stunning. I've been wanting to paint one for awhile now but just got around to it. This has inspired me. :)
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Scientific_Homeschooler
Nov 13, 2010 @ 3:42 pm | delete
- What a beautiful lens!
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JoyfulPamela
Oct 11, 2010 @ 8:54 pm | delete
- Snowy Owls are such beautiful creatures! Thanks for the wonderful pictures and information.
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flowergardener
Sep 19, 2010 @ 1:56 am | delete
- Ooooo, I love owls, and I love the images you've got on this lens! I've got a very large picture in my living room of a snowy owl ! :)
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GonnaFly
Aug 29, 2010 @ 2:51 am | delete
- What a fabulous lens and, no, I've never seen a snowy owl here in Australia.
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Greg
Aug 21, 2010 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- I'll never forget seeing a Snowy Owl on the Buffalo, NY waterfront with my father. You could see that beautiful white male plumage 100 yards away. Unmistakable. I keep my eyes open in hopes of seeing another Snowy White Owl.
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Trav
May 1, 2010 @ 12:04 pm | delete
- April 17, 2008 Jacksonville, FL – I was at the Rush Concert @ Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena when I stepped outside and saw quite distinctly a large snowy owl flying inland--it was breathtaking!
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arial
Dec 19, 2009 @ 2:14 pm | delete
- sooooooooooooooooo cute
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natnickeep
Nov 3, 2009 @ 8:11 pm | delete
- Love the lens! I love owls because my great grandma collected them. I made a lens devoted to her and owls. The snowy ones sure are beautiful, maybe when I vamp it up I will add some of them on there! 5* from me!
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ikikiki
Oct 15, 2009 @ 8:13 pm | delete
- white owls are so pretty
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spirituality
Jul 14, 2009 @ 8:04 am | delete
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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JenOfChicago
Jul 1, 2009 @ 11:07 am | delete
- I would love to see one someday... seems like I might have a chance in my neighbor state of Michigan?
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jmsp206
Jul 1, 2009 @ 5:07 am | delete
- Fantastic lens just loved It! What a beautiful bird and I would love to see one oneday!
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jaye3000
Jun 30, 2009 @ 8:31 pm | delete
- They're so beautiful~ I want one! :) Excellent job on your lens, five stars as usual lol :)
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Margaret_Schaut
May 20, 2009 @ 10:32 pm | delete
- I've long been a fan of your lenses, and your community work here at Squidoo, but I have to say this is one of my favorite pages! Be sure to add all your animal pages to the SquiZoo group! Blessed and the works!
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aj2008
Apr 24, 2009 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- What a beautiful lens. This family absolutely adores owls! I wonder if it may get even more traffic if you were to add a module about the most famous snowy owl in the world (as in Harry Potter)???
Blessed by an angel who would love to have wings like a snowy owl!
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mukunda22
Apr 20, 2009 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- Believe it or not, I saw a Snowy Owl in Lancaster Pa--It flew at my window as I was speaking to my brother on the phone about my recently deceased mom, about 20 years ago. Gave me the thrill of my life.
Several weeks later I was pondering this experience and thinking about my mom when a book fell inexplicably off the bookshelf.
It was a bird book and was opened to the page about the Snowy Owl.
Great lens about a Mighty Powerful Bird.
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Ruth
Jan 25, 2009 @ 10:58 am | delete
- A few years ago I saw a Snowy Owl peeping out of a large hole in a tree about 20 feet up from the ground. This was right in the middle of town on the hospital property near Fountain Lake. It was a beautiful sight to see. There are very nice pictures on this lens. You are doing a great job.
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Graceonline
Jan 24, 2009 @ 6:15 pm | delete
- What beautiful images! I've never seen one, may never be near their habitat, and wouldn't want to see one in captivity, so thank you for this lens. Lovingly done, well-structured and written. Thank you, too, for including information and links about the effects of global warming.
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Ken
Jan 24, 2009 @ 5:02 pm | delete
- I was fortunate to see two snowy owls on Assateague Island National Seashore last week and did capture a few images. If you are interested the photos can be seen at: www.kencongerphotography.com
Blue Skies!
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JustBon-Crochet-Designs
Jan 19, 2009 @ 9:48 pm | delete
- Beautiful creatures and equally beautiful photographs :) 5*s
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Chadrew
Jan 19, 2009 @ 5:20 pm | delete
- Nice photos. Those snowy owls are really beautiful birds.
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lakeerieartists
Jan 19, 2009 @ 5:15 pm | delete
- I have a watercolor painting that I did of a snowy owl. If you want a copy for this lens, let me know and I will send it to you. Love them.
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Thanks for Stopping By!
Recommended Owl Books (for more information on the Snowy and other species)
Well reviewed classic and highly informative owl guides
Plush Snowy Owl Toys
Find beautiful plush Snowy Owl toys from acclaimed makers like Ty, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Webkinz, and Audubon! These Snowy Owl stuffed animals make great gifts for owl lovers, and come in a range of cuddly styles. Scroll down for views of the puppet, Hedwig (from Harry Potter), and other classic and new stuffed animals.
Authentic Bird Sound Plush Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl 6" - Audubon Plush Bird (Authentic Bird Sound)
Amazon Price: $4.66 (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
Plush squeeze bird which sounds off the real bird call. Enjoyment for kids and adults alike. 6.00 inches tall x 4.50 inches long x 9.00 inches wide.
Harry Potter Plush Hedwig Owl
Stands 8 inches tall - hurry while supplies last!
Harry Potter Hedwig Plush 8"
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
Harry Potter Hedwig Plush. This adorable plush measures about 8 inches tall and 7 inches wide. This ultra soft owl captures Harry's pet perfectly and is recommended for ages 8 and older.
Snowy Owl Build-A-Bear Workshop
~ 50% donated to First Book for every purchase!
Build-A-Bear Workshop Turner Owl™ Plush Stuffed Animal
Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
This stuffed animal owl can turn it's head! For every purchase of Turner Owl we will donate 50% to First Book to provide new books to children from low-income families & 50% to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to support other literacy & education programs.
Ty Beanie Baby - Summit the Snow Owl
~ Quality plush stuffed owl from Ty!
Ty Beanie Baby - Summit the Snow Owl
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
Inside the tag reads: I just love soaring way up high As if my wings could touch the sky Don't worry, I'll swoop down again Because I've spotted you, my friend !
Webkinz Snowy Owl
~ Go online with your virtual pet!
Webkinz Snowy Owl
Amazon Price: $38.95 (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
Webkinz pets are very special plush animals. Each Webkinz pet comes with a secret code that allows the owner to log into the website and adopt a virtual version of their pet. With this code as their key, children can join Webkinz World without giving out any personal information such as e-mail, last name or phone number.
Plush Snowy Owls on Auction
Other rare finds on Ebay
by kiwisoutback
The Snowy is a beautiful, elusive bird. To see how you can help, visit the Snowy Owl Telemetry Project page! more »
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