Over the weekend, hundreds of curious Chicagoans ventured to Lake Michigan beachfronts to witness a birding marvel: the early arrival of snowy owls.

Two snowy owls have been spotted at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary and a third briefly at Rainbow Beach, according to the Chicago Ornithological Society.

These are earlier than usual in the season, said Edward Warden, president of the Chicago Ornithological Society.

The Arctic bird typically arrives in Chicago mid- to late December, Warden said. An unusually early arrival may signal an “irruption year,” a migratory boom when large numbers of snowy owls migrate south during the winter months.

“A lot of people are certainly speculating if this is going to be a big year or not based on how early (the snowy owls) are here,” Warden said.

But pr

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