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.

Views: 144