It's not so much the Snowy Owls, but the birders that are causing problems at the Portland International Jetport.

Fans of the snowy owls are spreading news of the sightings on social media as airport officials say they've seen an increase in snowy owls migrating from Canada. WGME-TV reports birders coming to the airport are blocking emergency access points and illegally parking on the roads.

Officials say they want the owls left alone so not to scare them into the path of planes landing or departing.

Airport Director Zach Sundquist says there is an observation area with parking south of the airport nearby a hanger.

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