Close-up of a snowy owl perched on a utility pole. It's white with black spots, and a big splash of bright orange on its head and face, and down its back.

Bird experts agree Creamsicle is rare — and potentially even unique  — in its colouring. But they disagree about what’s behind the orange feathers. It could be a genetic mutation, an unfortunate accident, or the work of "nefarious miscreants."