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Friday, February 24, 2017
Chasing Snowy Owls - Unsuccessfully!
Quite a few Snowy Owls have been seen in Grey and Bruce Counties this winter, a visiting species from the Arctic that comes this far south for the winter. I saw one for the first time in my life just 2 or 3 years ago. So we've been out on two long drives seeking to see one, in locations where we heard they'd been seen - and have been totally unsuccessful!
At first glance we were hopeful, but this is a large hawk, I'm guessing a Rough-legged Hawk.
Another big hawk, but too far away to identify easily.
And a third, where I had to shoot the picture directly into the sun. But no Snowy Owls.
We really thought we were lucky when we spotted the white bit on top of this grain elevator.
But with the binoculars you could see it was an 'owl of the satellite dish sort'. Didn't even notice all the crows at first until we took this close look, or maybe those are blackbirds.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Goldfinch have paid a few return visits, after disappearing for two or three weeks. And the yellow colours of summer breeding season are definitely starting to show up!
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Love the tree in the first photo and the birds. The snowy owl is illusive!
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for someone to visit my new seed feeder at the cabin. I did see my first robin in town though, so maybe a hungry bird will head my way soon. - Margy
ReplyDeleteAll that snow and birds showing the mating colors.
ReplyDeleteWe have had snowy owls down this far to the Mid-Atlantic. They rested on the tops of tractors or roofs of small buildings. I never got to see one either.
ReplyDeleteSnowy owls are irruptive. A couple of years in a row they were everywhere around here, but not for a year pr two now. They are magnificent birds, but I enjoy pretty goldfinch too. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely photography of wintry scenes and our feathered friends ~ Owls have been on Cape Ann MA this year ~ hope you see one soon ~ thanks ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Saturday ~ ^_^
Beautiful snowy scenes, especially the second photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat Goldfinch photos!
Have a wonderful week-end!
Sorry you didn't see any owls but looks like you had a nice day for a drive.
ReplyDeleteStill a lot of birds around regardless. Aside from owls used for education, say around Mountsberg, I've only had experience hearing owls off in the distance, including one at night that was screaming late at night.
ReplyDeleteIt would be awesome to see a snowy owl. They have been spotted along the coast of NB but not as frequent as last winter. I had a few goldfinches today after a long break and noticed their plumage changing.
ReplyDeleteYou might not have seen an owl but got some good birds shots in.
ReplyDeleteFunny thinking the dish was an owl. : )
Hello, sorry you missed the Snowy Owl. They could be on the ground blending in with the snow. Love the goldfinches, great capture of the one in mid air. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteOur Goldfinches have splotchy color right now and we have LOTS of them in our feeders now. I would love to see an owl here in Florida! (wouldn't be a Snowy though! LOL) Enjoy your weekend!
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