Iowa is known as the Hawkeye State. Clearly, we have an association with birds here in the Hawkeye State, right? While that is certainly true, this year we're being visited by a bird rarely seen this far south. But don't worry, the fact they're here doesn't mean something is wrong, it actually means they're doing very well.

Snowy owls are appearing in Iowa this winter

The snowy owl is here! While not unheard of, these guys generally are few and far between in Iowa. The fact they're here doesn't mean something is wrong up in the Arctic Tundra of Canada where they're from. It actually is quite the opposite. Radio Iowa reports when we see the snowy owl as far as Iowa, it means they just had a particularly good breeding season.

Now when I say they're in Iowa, you might just assume it's only the far north, but that is not the case the report indicates the snowy owl has actually been seen in Cedar Rapids and in Ames. So, what do these unique birds look for when they come to visit Iowa? The birds prefer flat, tundra-like land similar to what they'd find up in their native Canada, so you'd likely spot one in open areas and not heavily wooded ones.

Experts predict they'll be here for the next several weeks, and could stay until as late as February. They also suggest that if you see one, just leave it alone. They need to hunt undisturbed.