I have become quite enamored with these snowy owls. I spent 4 hours today in the freezing cold observing and photographing them. I am not the only one, as you can imagine. There were over a dozen at one point – people came and went throughout the day. I think the scene peaked at 16 people or there about. Most with cameras, some with field glasses and still other observed with their naked eyes. The bitter cold will not hold a Minnesota completely at bay. A brief warming period in the car is always helpful to hanging in for the duration.
The encounter began like all others in my recent cue. The little lady perched atop a power pole as she scanned the fields far and wide. She paid little attention to myself and the other car at first. It was pleasant enough to observe her from the warm comforts of my car. It wasn’t long before more spectators arrived.
Those feathers must be 2000 grams thinsulate. She didn’t seem a bit affected by the weather. The modest 6-10 mph wind with just below zero temps kept a hat on your head and gloves on your hands. The weather wasn’t too bad as long as you dressed appropriately. I wore my most toasty cold weather clothes I own today and was as comfortable as could be. The right gear may be the difference between having a good time or a bad one.
I am very fond of the in-flight shots from today. She is magnificent in the air.
I think my favorite of the day was a quick peek-a-boo she gave me.
Here are the rest of my shots. Mostly of her feeding.
Great shots Dan! Excellent! 🙂
Thank you
Once again, Dan – these are great. I also love the ‘in flight’ photos for she is so graceful looking. Hope you don’t mind, but I am sharing your blog with my Facebook friends. They are also loving this series with the Snow Owl.
Just stunning, Dan!
You are truly an artist with a camera. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you very much for the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the images.
Excellent captures! Have not been able to get out for this because of other pressures. Such a pity.
I am so envious. Wonderful photographs and I would have been out there whatever the temperature. Not much chance here I’m afraid.
Dan, amazing photos, what a beautiful creature. Also MN’s will do for great shots, cold means nothing. Lol
Dan, You got some beautiful pictures. Totally, awesome.
Thank you.
Never mind the temperatures… these are awesome! Time spent well and I absolutely love the peek a boo shot!
Gorgeous! I would love to see for myself, but these are almost real! Thanks Dan.
I am so in awe! I really really love the owls in flight! These are all beautifully photographed!
AMAZEballs – love the action shots!!!
Your patience and perseverance are really paying off for you here. My favorites by far are 4763 and 4513. Who is releasing the mice for her?
Thank you. Different people release and take turns so you have an opportunity to photograph.
Incredible shots, Dan.
Beautiful in-flight shots.
Great series of shots Dan
Thank you Joe.
I’ve enjoyed looking at these. What a magnificent bird with a health appetite 🙂 Beautiful captures!
These pictures are amazing! I’d have stayed 4 hours there too. Are your fingers alive, btw? 🙂
Thank you. Warm gloves and the right gear make it all easily bearable.
great series.we have them around here too this year but I was too lazy to go find them.
I would likely have not ever found one either had it not been for the countless posts on facebook and groups of cars pulled over on the roadside.
I fully understand that you were ‘enamoured’ with this gorgeous creature in the wild…I too would have been jumping up and down with excitement.
It made Winter more interesting and fun.