Lincoln Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026
1. Snowy Owl Marker
Snowy owl feathers have gray bars that fade away on males as they mature.
Unexpected Owls
Snowy owls are noted for their occasional population booms.
Irruptions are when animals show up somewhere in much larger numbers than usual.
Most years, snowy owls are a rare sight in Chicago. But in an irruption year, an especially successful breeding season leads to many more snowy owl sightings.
In 2013, one of the largest irruptions on record led to sightings of snowy owls as far south as Florida!
Erected by Lincoln Park Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2013.
Location. 41° 55.338′ N, 87° 38.003′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lincoln Park. It can be reached from North Stockton Drive near West Webster Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Lincoln Park Zoo. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Essential, But Endangered (within shouting distance of this marker); European White Stork (within shouting distance of this marker); Japanese Macaque (within
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Lincoln Park Zoo: Snowy Owl. (Submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. As Snowy Owls Hang Out Near Montrose Bird Sanctuary, City Limits Access To Area. From Block Club Chicago.
Excerpt: "Native to the Arctic, the birds arent necessarily rare in the area, but their presence in Chicago varies year to year. Chicagoans are being urged to stay at least 300 yards away from the birds."(Submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, February 14, 2026
2. Snowy Owl Marker
The owl can be seen on the left side of the cage.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
