Forecast: Snow with a chance of snowy owls

There's a strong chance of snow this weekend.

But what's better than the first powdery snow of the season?

Snowy owls.

That's right, Ohio. 

This is not a joke. Or a drill. 

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There may, quite possibly, be a holiday miracle in the form of Buboscandiacus (that's obviously Latin for 'The Loveliest Owl Ever') coming to the outskirts of the I-275 loop. 

Note: My editor says 'Bubo scandiacus' does not mean 'The Loveliest Owl Ever,' but that it's Friday and I'm getting a pass. So, there.

For reasons that are not fully understood, snowy owls occasionally venture further south than their normal Arctic range. It's called an irruption, and it means that nature's most majestic birds are headed to the Midwest (and New Jersey). 

Note: My editor says that I cannot claim that these are nature's most majestic birds. I referred said editor to the above note.

Owls have been spotted throughout the Midwest and sightings can be tracked using eBird.org, or the Audobon Society's birding app. 

But will we see snowy owls in the Cincinnati region? The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's Senior Aviculturist, Cody Sowers, says it's a distinct possibility.

"Snowy owls have shown up historically in the Dayton and Wilmington areas," Sowers said. "The northern parts of town would not be a stretch."

If you are a human being with a soul, you are probably already in the nearest automobile and driving toward whatever godforsaken spot ebird.org tells you that there has been a snowy sighting in the past 24 hours. 

Take a moment, breathe into a brown paper bag if necessary and follow these basic etiquette tips for watching these magnificent avians. Please read that sentence again until you click on the hyperlink that tells you everything you need to know about how to not be a jerk (at least not to snowy owls).

What to do if you see a snowy owl

• Maintain a respectful distance. If your presence disturbs the bird, you're already too close.
• Take a photo to commemorate the best day ever. Just turn off the flash. No one likes a flash going off in their face when they're just trying to eat their lunch or chill.
• Weep. It's ok. Feel the feels. You're in the presence of greatness.

• Do not shout at the bird, or call it names. Do you speak snowy owl? No. I didn't think so.
• Do not try to make the bird fly. This is called 'flushing' and is a bonafide jerk move.
• Do not trespass on someone's private property. The bird is there because it wants some space.

In case you didn't click on those hyperlinks: Never try to chase, touch or try to get close to a snowy owl. It's just not good manners. And wouldn't you like any visiting snowy owls to know that we're just better than New Jersey (And Indiana)?

Have you seen a snowy owl in the Greater Cincinnati area? Email Katie Vogel or send her a GIF of a snowy owl on Twitter because she would like to hear all about it and tell you her bird nerd stories about snowy owls.