Much of North America is under the threat of a major snow storm as I write this short blog. Here in Cambridge the snow has been falling for hours. The trees are covered and the winds are picking up so the warnings of potential power outages are not to be taken lightly.
I hope everyone remains safe……..and in place, until it is wise to travel.
After just finishing a magazine feature about a compelling mountain climbing expedition I have a bit of time before I get cracking on my next couple of assignments. Can’t wait for the roads to be cleared and the weather to cooperate so I can see my family over the holidays AND get out and capture some wildlife in snow.
The northern harriers I have been reporting on have been active and I see two of them have remained in the area. One of the males has been my ‘prey’ recently as he favours two particular fields. Once I spot him at a distance I need only to pull my car over and wait for him to complete this segment of his daily hunt.
Later that same day I went back to the same location. There was a storm brewing in the background so the sky was a very deep blue. But the sun lit up the harrier nicely.
One young farmer has invited me to park my car next to one of these fields so I can wait for the harrier to come towards me. A few days ago, as it snowed lightly, he did just that.
Now with the snow on the ground I wonder what kind of images I might come home with. I haven’t been out to look for snowy owls except an early ‘reconnaissance mission’ a month ago. Might be time to look again.
This is a special weekend and I hope the weather allows everyone the freedom to travel and visit loved ones. My three kids are all in town so Christmas Day will be another magical occasion. Have a wonderful holiday!
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I will be presenting photographs for an Idea Exchange show on Tuesday January 31st from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Here is a link to that free zoom presentation. I do hope you will be able to join us wherever you are!
https://ideaexchange.libnet.info/event/7737543
What a thoughtful Christmas gift for followers of your blog. Thanks, Paul. As I sit in our kitchen watching juncos, house sparrows, northern cardinals, mourning doves, and chickadees, I think about how lucky I am to be able to do this. Seeing your post on the Northern Harrier makes me feel even luckier. Have a lovely Christmas with your family. Cheers.
Thanks Brad! At the moment I have my daughter’s dog, Rilo here. Since I work from home I pick him up when my daughter is working. From my balcony, and through the snow, I keep looking out to see what species might turn up. At the moment it is very very windy so no doubt they are all hunkered down. Have a great Christmas and talk soon!
This is so close to my daughter and grandkids in Kitchener that they love getting the file.
thank you Paul.
happy holidays.
Hey Dave, Great to hear this! If they would like to be added to my mailing list let me know. They might be interested in my snowy owl presentation January 31st. Have a great Christmas!
Thanks Paul, great pics and stories, as usual. Have a Merry Christmas!!!
Thanks Scott, and have a wonderful Christmas yourselves!!!!!!!!
Thanks for this early Christmas present Paul. Take good care and all the blessings to your and your family.
Hey Hamlin, Delighted to hear from you! Thanks for staying in touch all these years. Have a wonderful Christmas yourselves!
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing Paul! That 2nd photo, wow! Are the harrier’s eyes affixed to his target prey?
No, he is looking at me thinking….. ‘not him again!’ Good luck on Mount Vinson, Garrett!
Fantastic photos Paul! I am so happy our paths crossed and we met. Looking forward to your presentation at the end of January.
Hey Bob, great to hear from you and thanks for your compliments. And, I look forward to the snowy owl presentation January 31st. Hope that everyone gets something out of it. Meanwhile, perhaps we will bump into each other out there looking for those birds of prey. Cheers!