Thunder Bay bird watchers are being treated to a special visitor this year.

Thunder Bay wildlife biologist Brian Ratcliff (CBC)

The snowy owl has been spotted at least a half-a-dozen times within the city of Thunder Bay.

Brian Ratcliff, who keeps records of bird sightings with the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, said the region is on the end of a peak cycle and that bird enthusiasts should try to catch a glimpse of the owl while they still can.

"Most years we do not see them because they'll stay farther north," he said.

"If the food is available they'll stay. So it looks like last year was the big year, this year not as much, and next year we may not see any."

Snowy owls have been spotted on Water Street near the Marina and by the Thunder Bay Airport.