I thought this note I just posted to Va-bird might also be of interest to
Md. birders.:

Based on the photos posted on Va-bird of the Ruckersville Snowy owl by Gerco
Hoogeweg, I think that bird is an immature female.
This is based on it not having a white bib in front, and not having a
primarily white back of the head.  For comparison see:

http://www.smbirdphotos.com/index.cgi?do=view_photos&subcatID=141

These are photos of the Snowy Owl taken by Sean McCandless now on
Assateague Island on the Va.Coast.

Notice the prominent white frontal bib.and the mostly white back of the head.
I think this bird is an immature male.
I also think this is an excellent opportunity to see some of the plumage
differences between male and female immature snowy Owls.

-- 
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.