Finding the above Snowy Owl last week was certainly the highlight of my most recent photo trip.This is a snowy owl irruption year. Irruptions occur during periods of low abundance of small mammals within their usual range. So, when the vole/mice densities at northern latitudes hit a cyclic low, owls, especially snowy owls this year, move farther south than normal in search of food. A friend advised of the possibility of seeing a snowy on the dunes on Assateague Island NWR (Maryland and Virgina). You can walk the 12+ miles of beach on the refuge or obtain an over the sand permit. I elected for the off road permit due to the camera gear I carry and the cold temps and high wind along the ocean. This is one of a number of late afternoon and early morning keepers I was able to obtain. Additional images with different poses will be posted in the near future. Blue Skies.
13 comments:
What an exceptional bird and photograph Ken. WOW!! He is one of the most beautiful of the species I think.
Ken: Wonderful capture of the Snowy Owl. I have never seen one in real life and that had to be a treat for you.
I never knew Snow Owls went that far south. During times like these, they are often spotted near the airports where I live (near Syracuse, NY) because of the wide open fields with lots of field mice and other small rodents.
Beautiful light on a majestic bird of prey.
Beautiful picture, Ken. And congratulations on catching your most sought after capture!
I've never seen one of those, Ken.
You did a super job of photographing him.
We visited SNP this morning from dawn until 11:00 and only saw two other civilian vehicles, one of which was a photographer. We saw one nice buck and had a close encounter with a coyote just below the meadow. I hope to post some shots from this trip soon.
This is an awesome capture Ken!
Everything about this shot is spot on, the lighting, the composition, and the amazingly beautiful subject. I had no idea that they ever ventured that far south.
Nice light on this Snowy wonder Ken. I'm glad you got a chance to get a good look at one up close this year.
I would travel for 7 days any time for that image!
What a beautiful bird and photograph Ken. I would have been like a 10 year old at Christmas given the oportunity. I am looking forward to more images of this owl.
Ken - Conrats on your dream picture!
What a great shot!!!
Why are we going to Minnesota when you already have outstanding photos of Snowy Owls?
Incredible shot! They're often in the same types of areas in New England, on sand dunes and places that remind them of the tundra.
Still a bird I would love to have the opportunity to photograph.. wonderful
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