Will the winter of 2018-2019 bring another Snowy Owl Snowstorm similar to the irruption of 2017-2018? It is too soon in the season to know. They have been trickling in, but Snowy Owls typically begin to move southward in greater numbers in mid- to late-November.
The Snowy spotted today is a male, with a beautiful nearly pure white face and neck. Although off in the distance, he appeared to be in good health, with plushy full set of feathers, big furry feet, and tell-tale pinkish hue smudged around his beak (hopefully from a recent catch). He was quietly nodding off until suddenly disturbed by someone approaching too closely. He swooped across the landscape and away from the onlooker to a more remote location, and was hopefully left undisturbed for the remainder of the day.
Grooming and dozing off amongst the tall grasses and dried wildflowers
On high alert and then flushing after sudden disturbance.
Beautiful owls and great captures – they a re very keen observers and a tune to many factors – always fun to watch them watch you! Thanks Kim 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
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There were hawks and falcons watching us, too 🙂
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Best of both worlds here beautiful in flight and when resting! 🙂 Dave
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It was so startling for the Snowy and my daughter and I to see the man’s head coming up behind him, and happened so quickly, we did not get a photo of him flying.
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Way to close and can see why flew away. The swallows this way with mud nests in alleyways that were limited in space would dive bomb you I have seen this with hawks and owls too if nesting close by with young!
“Danger.. Like most birds of prey hawks, eagles, owls may attack if they feel their territory is violated. They have similar modes of attack, inflicting injury with their beak and talons. :-O
Dave
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