Safe Landings for Boston’s Snowy Owls

Every winter, snowy owls touch down at Boston’s Logan Airport, drawn to the flat, open landscape that feels a lot like their far-off Arctic home. It’s beautiful, but it’s also risky for both the birds and for the planes. That’s where Norman Smith comes in.

For decades, Smith has worked on the airfield, safely trapping and relocating snowy owls that settle near the runways. His Snowy Owl Project has rescued hundreds, gathering valuable data along the way by banding the birds and tracking their movements. His work has helped scientists understand how these Arctic travelers migrate, hunt, and adapt to changing conditions.

Enjoy filmmaker Anna Miller’s beautiful and award-winning 2025 short documentary, “The Snowy Owls of Logan Airport,” about Smith and his dedicated life-saving project:

Many thanks to writer/bon vivant Marissa Rothkopf (The Secret Life of Cookies) for turning us on to this remarkable and inspiring film. Check out her great Substack!

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