Snowy owl season is rapidly coming to a close and for zealots like me this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. On Wednesday I was speaking to a wonderful audience at Woodstock’s South Gate Centre on the subject of coyotes, another species that intrigues me.
I had packed my camera gear along with outdoor clothing just in case I might be able to visit the owl I had been seeing on a daily basis.
Following the questions and the chance to meet many of the 250 or so folks in attendance I bid farewell and raced up to Elmira – carefully obeying highway speed signs!
Despite nearly three hours of looking with binoculars, waiting in places where he had frequented and a few laps of the territory I wondered, has he begun his trek back to the arctic? With no competition for hunting sites had me chosen some place else? Or am I losing my touch?
All good snowy owl seasons come to an end, I thought.
In the midst of a snow shower two days earlier the owl perched on a fence post.
Yesterday I returned half expecting that I wouldn’t find an owl. Then, to my delight, I spotted him roosting along a fence line about 800 metres from where I had last seen him.
Having never gone into this field I drove up the farm’s driveway and knocked on the door. With a smile the farmer said he had seen me out and about though we have never met. He gave me permission to go into the field. I thanked him and said I would return later at a time when the owl might be active.
As I drove away I stopped and watched the owl from the road. He was looking around but I reckoned I had time to look for other owls. When I returned a half hour or so later he was in the same spot. I put on my four way flashers then grabbed my camera and began walking across the field paying attention to the wind direction. Most of the time snowy owls orient themselves to the wind which they will use to gain ‘lift-off’.
He watched me intently. I kept about 40 metres away and found a place to sit on the ground. I wear waterproof pants over my regular hiking pants which keeps me dry. It looked like the field had recently been fertilized and I did hesitate but observing this owl was more important than worrying about getting dirty.
As I sat there the owl studied me, he studied his surroundings. There was time for him to preen his feathers. Something flying overhead caught his attention and he looked up. Clouds were moving in and it began to rain. I had hoped the forecast of ‘partly cloudy’ would be accurate and that it might eventually clear. After twenty minutes or so he decided to move on.
He looked at me as he lifted off and flew about twenty metres to a fencepost nearer the road.
He had turned into the wind and chosen a fence post where he surveyed the area around him.
I walked in a semi-circle to maintain the distance between us. Indeed, he was actually closer to me while perched on the post. With my 500mm prime lens and 1.4x teleconverter I knew that when he flew his wings would be clipped because I was so close. I retreated to the roadside and sat on the shoulder with my legs in the ditch.
It was slightly unnerving since the work day was over and there was suddenly traffic blowing by at quite a speed.
Eventually he turned and flew away down the fence line towards a tree. I watched and thought, ‘well that’s the end of my encounter!’ But he circled that tree and came back gaining height before landing in the top of the tallest tree in the field.
I had removed my teleconverter as it was nearing dusk. A teleconverter, while increasing magnification, comes at a price. Mainly, a reduction in the camera’s aperture – light available in the camera. So I now waited to see if he might fly again. He perched for quite a time watching songbirds flying overhead, reacting to noises coming from a nearby farm, and preening.
Finally, he had picked out another place to stop which was closer to the fields where I had seen him on past visits. But to my surprise he took off and flew towards me before turning away. The result was a series of images showing his magnificent wingspan. This one is my favourite.
I watched him fly about three hundred metres away and land in a tall tree. I went back to my car and drove a lap of the area to see if there were any other owls around. The light wasn’t ideal for photography but I was curious as to whether this young male was alone. To the best of my knowledge he is.
When I began my drive home I took a look in that tree. There he was.
Those of you who follow my adventures know I don’t usually include six images with my blogs. But this might be my final one on snowy owls for some time and it was a very special evening. The obsessive journalist in me might well return in coming days to have another look.
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I LOVE the photo of the snowy owl sitting on the fence post with all the snow falling around him. So peaceful. Also, love the one that looks like he is peeking through his wing. Thanks for sharing such a MAGNIFICENT creature!
They are indeed magnificent and I always enjoy watching them. With all the temperature changes this past winter I reckon this owl was wondering what was going on!
The last “spasms” of winter. Some go others will come. We are fortunate to see such a large and artic creature in our midst. The pictures are special.
I have heard the peepers sound in the bog adjoining our backyard. The peepers and other frogs can be heard from miles away and as soon as temperatures and light allows they are in their spring element attracting the others.
Yes, it’s a bit of a transition isn’t it? The snowy owls are here for a very short time but they are always a source of enjoyment. Beautiful and wonderful to observe!
Is there anything more magical…Truly amazing…
Only thing more magical might be if Coventry can overturn a 2-0 deficit at Sheffield United. LOL! Its half time right now.
Exactly what I needed to see/read today. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed the blog, Jaellayna!
Your last blog of the Snowys for 2025 was magnificent Paul you are such a talented photographer. So glad you have the passion for wildlife.
Thanks Pat! If it is my last encounter for the season then it was a very good one eh?
Thanks again, Paul. Always inspiring to see and to read. Fingers crossed for yet one more sighting.
Thanks Brad. I count myself lucky at having so many wonderful encounters this winter. In past years I have seen the occasional transient owl – probably stopping off en route to the arctic – in early to mid April. You never know.
WOW! He is gorgeous!
Great shots Paul. You have captured some great action shots!
The wingspan is impressive and the shot with the wings up, above his head , taking off I think, is very cool too.
Makes me imagine flying and the subtle shift in angles of wings to turn slightly or go higher or lower.
If this is your last encounter, it sure was a memorable one! I admire your passion. Thanks for sharing, reading it is a pleasant escape.
Thanks Mariah. It always amazes me how birds, snowy owls in particular, are able to use the wind to their advantage. They use it to change direction, change height and to gain speed. Remarkable to see!