A rare bird species in Latvia – Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus was spotted in Slītere National Park Friday on April 13th.

This is one of the biggest owls and a real North inhabitant. Males are completely white, females – white with dark spots. Nearest nesting places for Snowy Owls are Northern Scandinavia and Russia's tundra. It rarely ends up in Latvia. Since 1970 this has been sixth time this species has been seen in Latvia, and first time it’s spotted in Northern Courland. In 19^th century it has been more frequent migrant.

The bird was spotted by ornithologists Helmuts Hofmanis and Gaidis Grandāns.

Photo: Gaidis Grandāns