That sounds like a remarkable sighting! A large, mostly white owl with a very broad wingspan fits Snowy Owl well, and there were confirmed records in Virginia during winter 2026, so a lingering bird into early spring is certainly possible.

There aren’t any herons in Michigan that have a truly red bill. If you can share a few more details such as size, body color, markings, where you saw it, and what it was doing, we can help narrow it down.

This sounds like a White Wagtail, specifically the British subspecies known as the pied wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii). The slim shape, bold black-and-white plumage, constant tail wagging, and habit of running across open paved areas all fit this species very well.

There are no geese in North America with a bright red neck. The only bird that closely matches that description is the Sarus Crane, a non-native species typically found only in zoos or private collections. Could you share where you saw the bird and any additional details (behavior, region, photos, etc.)? That would help narrow it down.

What you’re describing sounds like a known condition often seen in finches, especially House Finches. Birds with partially closed or swollen eyes, or those rubbing their eyes frequently, may be affected by a bacterial eye infection – commonly called “finch eye disease.” It’s most often noticed around feeders, where birds gather closely. If you’re seeing this, it’s a good idea to temporarily remove feeders and clean them thoroughly to help reduce spread. Healthy finches should be alert, active, and have fully open, clear eyes, so your observation is definitely worth noting.