Bird-Watchers Revel in Unusual Spike in Snowy Owl Sightings

[Donna]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/science/earth/spike-in-snowy-owl-sightings-stirs-speculation-among-bird-watchers.html?_r=2

HELENA, Mont. — From coast to coast across the northern United States, a striking number of snowy owls have been swooping onto shorelines and flying over fields this winter, delighting bird-watchers and stirring speculation about the cause of the spike.

“One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it,â€� he added in astonishment. “It’s the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!â€� 

[Bobbie Ireland]

“One showed up at the airport in Hawaii, and they shot it,� he added in astonishment. “It’s the first ever in Hawaii and they shot it!�

The owl was killed on Thanksgiving by federal officials who feared that the bird would interfere with landings and takeoffs.

WHAT?! Preserve us from "federal officials"!