When Buzz contributor Emina Darakjy read about the unusual appearance of a snowy owl in Cypress, near Orange County, she wanted to see it in person. Even though her family said all she had to do was look on the internet, Emina told the Buzz she decided to go and see it for herself. Owls have a personal significance to Emina that go way back to a time she spent as an exchange student in Connecticut.
“My American mom, who recently passed away, loved owls so I decided to drive down and see the owl as we start the new year,” Emina told us when she sent the photos. And what she found was a very happy owl, attracting lots of attention and seeming to enjoy it.
“It was wonderful to see this very large bird where she’s not supposed to be,” Emina told the Buzz. “She (they now know it’s a female) was quite comfortable hopping around the roofs of these one story homes in this lovely neighborhood filled with people with cameras clicking away taking photographs of her.”
The bird was first spotted by residents right after Christmas. Â According to the New York Times, it’s rare for these birds to travel this far south and no one seems to know why or exactly how the owl found her way to Cypress.
Emina told us once she found out the location, thanks to searching the internet, she found her self in a typical subdivision filled with cul de sacs and lots of birdwatchers. The owner of the home doesn’t seem to mind all the visitors.
“Everyone is very polite and respectful,” Emina told us.
Local bird enthusiasts told Emina the owl seems to be enjoying hunting at several local parks in the neighborhood. Examination of pellets show the bird is enjoying a diet of small animals likely found nearby. Maybe she’s found a new winter home?
