The dimness due to the thick low clouds of today combined with the heavy 
barring of the bird gave it the appearance I called "dark" in my 
previous comments.  Fernando's photos are very consistent with the bird 
I saw.  I saw the bird as per the pose in photo "Snowy Owl 2" except my 
view of the back and wings was somewhat blurred due to thicker grasses 
and/or the darkness of the day and no reflective snow on the ground.

Recollections of the 2009 bird was one reason I was wandering around in 
the area instead of taking the direct route home to Cornwall following a 
meeting in Burlington.

Ian
===================

On 12/7/2011 7:04 PM, Fernando B.Corrada wrote:
> Ian, a couple of years ago there was a Snowy Owl perched on the rooftops of
> several houses in the Cider Mill development in South Burlington. It was there
> for 3-4 weeks if I recall correctly. I am not sure if it was a 1st year female or
> male.
> This location is pretty close to the corner of Barstow and Spear streets where
> you saw the Snowy Owl. I wonder if it is the same bird as these owls have very
> good longevity and the proximity of the these two locations raises the
> possibility that it is not a coincidence.
> I will monitor the Cider Mill in the next few days to see if the bird visits that
> location.
> Here is a photo of the Snowy Owl from Jan 2009:
>
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/febco1/3225300671/in/set-72157623412718513
>
> Ian, could you tell if the Snowy that you saw was a male of female? Thanks.
>
> Fernando B. Corrada
> South Burlington