Photography

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

A number of Snowy Owls have already returned to Washington this winter, creating speculation that there will be an echo from last year's large scale southern migration. Irruptions, as they are known, occur periodically and last year was particularly good for local bird watchers. Several of the arctic beauties are currently staging in the Stillaguamish River estuary near Stanwood.

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

A number of Snowy Owls have already returned to Washington this winter, creating speculation that there will be an echo from last year's large scale southern migration. Irruptions, as they are known, occur periodically and last year was particularly good for local bird watchers. Several of the arctic beauties are currently staging in the Stillaguamish River estuary near Stanwood.

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

A number of Snowy Owls have already returned to Washington this winter, creating speculation that there will be an echo from last year's large scale southern migration. Irruptions, as they are known, occur periodically and last year was particularly good for local bird watchers. Several of the arctic beauties are currently staging in the Stillaguamish River estuary near Stanwood.

MARK HARRISON / THE SEATTLE TIMES

A number of Snowy Owls have already returned to Washington this winter, creating speculation that there will be an echo from last year's large scale southern migration. Irruptions, as they are known, occur periodically and last year was particularly good for local bird watchers. Several of the arctic beauties are currently staging in the Stillaguamish River estuary near Stanwood.