Rare snowy owl’s ‘thrilling’ migration enchants California suburb

Arctic bird of prey made famous by Harry Potter series and rarely seen so far south and west draws crowds to Orange county

Orange county has long served as a warm winter getaway for those escaping chillier climates, and since last month it’s hosted an unusual visitor from the Arctic: a snowy winter owl.

The bird of prey, which typically calls the Arctic Circle and northern Canada home, has migrated to a residential neighborhood in Cypress. Its presence in the suburban community east of Los Angeles is highly unusual, experts say, and has drawn regular crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the majestic creature featured in the Harry Potter series.