Today I saw my first ever Snowy Owl! I've done a fair bit of birding over the years, and my mother was an avid birder. I've heard about Snowy Owls moving south where we can see them for decades, but never spotted one. But today I finally saw one - for me, that's one of my most memorable bird sightings ever.
I'd read in several places about the 'irruption' of snowy owls moving south this year, and saw pictures on several other blogs, and I kept my eyes open, with no luck. But I ran into a local birder I know a week or two ago, and she told me where to go looking.
A friend and I had planned to go out snowshoeing, but it was a bitter cold day with a wind, so we decided to go owl hunting and have a coffee instead. We drove to the suggested spots, and there we spotted one!
It was just sitting on the high roof of a house, huddled down out of the
wind on a very cold day with a wind chill, and I had to shoot into the
sun. Except for swivelling its head, it didn't move.
With one swivel it did seem to be looking down at us though. I've cropped these photos in further and further, and in spite of them being rather ordinary photos, I'm thrilled! I think I should take up more wildlife photography.
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Dear F.G. those photos are stunning in the most spectacular way, yes, I can see that this might be a new subject .One massive bird, and you were there just at the most wonderful time., your photos have done due justice to its magnificence. Cheers, Jean.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots! The owl looks quite comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI'm always astounded by how far back their heads go.
Congratulations! I would like to see one. He seems very well insulated (as he would have to be).
ReplyDeleteThat would be awesome to see. It almost blends in to the roof. I've heard of a couple other bloggers seeing snowy owls this winter.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I haven't seen one yet.
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat you finally got to see a Snowy Owl! We had hundreds of them here the winter of 2011-12, and naturally, I took Hundreds and Hundreds of photos. They're such a beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteI am jealous! What fun for you! They are a beautiful bird:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I've seen several- one year we had two that came and stayed for weeks. One of them hung out outside my window at work, so I saw it a lot. But no pix.
ReplyDeleteOh how exciting to see a Snowy Owl. I've never had the privilege.
ReplyDeleteA bid on the roof. I wonder if it was seeking some warmth from that vent. What an unusual thing to find out and about in the daytime.
ReplyDeleteThat's just fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHow lucky to see an Owl so beautiful in the snow! Thanks for sharing. New Follower!
ReplyDeleteJody
What a great sighting! Such a thrill to lay eyes on such a lovely bird, and you got some great photos..
ReplyDeleteThat's quite exciting!
ReplyDeleteVery awesome. I've never seen an owl in the wild.
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