Mysterious Orange Snowy Owl Captivates Birdwatchers in Michigan
Birders and wildlife enthusiasts in Michigan are buzzing about an extraordinary sighting—an unusual snowy owl with orange feathers. This rare bird, typically known for its pristine white and black plumage, was photographed perched on a telegraph pole in Huron County.
Captured by amateur wildlife photographer Julie Maggert, the stunning images of this orange-feathered snowy owl quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread curiosity and speculation. Experts and bird lovers alike are left wondering: What caused this rare color transformation?
Experts Weigh In on the Snowy Owl’s Bizarre Coloring
One prevailing theory suggests that the bird might have been stained by aircraft de-icing fluid. Huron County Memorial Airport is nearby, and experts believe the owl could have come into contact with the red-orange glycol-based de-icer commonly used on planes.
According to Dr. Scott Weidensaul, co-founder of Project SNOWstorm, a research initiative focused on snowy owls, “The most likely explanation is that it was de-icing fluid at an airport since some formulations are that red-orange color.”
However, some experts are skeptical of the de-icing theory, proposing that the owl’s orange feathers could be the result of a genetic mutation or environmental contamination.
Could Pollution or Toxins Be to Blame?
Professor Kevin McGraw, an expert in avian pigmentation, suggests that environmental stressors could have triggered an overproduction of pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for reddish and chestnut hues in feathers.
“This bird could have been exposed to chemicals, pesticides, or heavy metals that caused this rare coloration,” McGraw explained. “Pollutants and oxidative damage can sometimes alter feather pigmentation in unpredictable ways.”
Not a Typical Snowy Owl Coloration
Snowy owls typically display dramatic sexual dimorphism in their plumage. Male snowy owls are predominantly white, while female snowy owls have dark, barred feathers. However, orange coloration has never been documented in snowy owls before, making this case truly unique.
Will We Ever Know the Truth?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been aware of the bird since mid-January but has no plans to capture it for further analysis.
“We’re unlikely to ever have a conclusive explanation for this coloring,” said Karen Cleveland, a wildlife biologist with the DNR.
For now, this “owldorable” snowy owl mystery remains unsolved, leaving birdwatchers and researchers fascinated by nature’s unpredictability.
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