Among the birder community in the Mid-Atlantic State area this winter, excitement over the appearance of Snowy Owls has become an obsession. Thanks to the power of Facebook, the ability to immediately communicate the discoveries and locations of these rare birds are now instantaneous.
This morning, I was settled in with my morning coffee when up popped a notification of a Snowy Owl found at a nearby local park. Needless to say, I jumped up with a clatter and ran out of the house in a flurry and headed to the park in hopes to see this beautiful white gem.
With great luck, the Snowy Owl was resting along the beach digesting after a lovely meal of a mourning dove (or so I’m guessing.)
He looked so relaxed and settled in, I returned to the car to keep in touch with other birders who were on their way. As luck would have it, three crows came and chased the owl off. Ten minutes later and I would have missed being able to see him.
So as they say – seize the moment when it appears, don’t hesitate or you will miss the great opportunity.
At least on the way out, this scene captured my eye.
Categories: 2013 Project 365, Birds, Nature
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
The owl was calling you to be photographed. The backdrop of brown grass made the colour of the owl stands out.
Thank you so much Perpetua. I’m in love with these owls and wish I could see them every day.
You could as a wallpaper for your gizmo.
You’re such a smart girl !!
Beautiful Captures – the Owl is so a Poser – ha!
Thanks Renee ! He was totally checking the world out.
Fantastic moment and great captured, real wonderful contrast:)
Thank you Kerlund. Got to love it when the owls set themselves up in a perfect setting. 🙂
This is a lovely shot! I was at the Bay Bridge the day before (Chrismas), but the owl was very far from the shore and I could not get a good shot.
If you don’t mind, could you tell me which notification service you signed up for to get this notification? I signed up for eBird but the notification comes later; I would love to get up-to-the-minute info so I too can chase birds 🙂
(please reply to email howiewu1 _AT_ gmail _Dot_ com, thanks!)
Howard
🙂 Now I must build a fort to keep my morning doves safe 🙂
I had a Coopers Hawk and a Bald Eagle this past week Heading to the sea tomorrow now there is a place they could chill safely 🙂 Seals and Eagles and Snowy Owls 🙂
Now that is a little tragic. Although I do enjoy a quick view of Coopers and BE in the yard as well.
Oh I can’t wait to hear about your trip to the beach. Sounds like it’ll be fantastic!
🙂 He went at 9PM and JT and I stayed home but got so much done before the awful weather arrives I can go to the beach any day but the action has been in our yard of late so as I create jewelry and play with JT we keep an eye on the large trees left here for BIG BIRDS 🙂
We had a number of snowy owls around here two years ago, and so many people were chasing them around and stressing them, that this year, most of the serious birders are keeping mum when they see the snowys. I know where a couple of them are hanging out, and I made only one lame attempt to spot one of them, so far. 😉
It does keep an alert ear on the ground to be able to enjoy the sight of these beauties. Not sure how I feel about the serious birders keeping it to themselves. Good and bad angles on that one.
Gorgeous photo. I adore owls and have always wanted to see a snowy owl.
Oh I do hope you get the chance to see a snowy owl one day. They truly are precious.
What beautiful images
Thank you so much Brian. Great to meet a fellow Floridian birder. 🙂
Dido!