I made another run up near Horicon Marsh to see what was happening. For the most part the day was slow but there was some excitement at times. One Snowy Owl put on a show a few times going for prey and just off hunting. One time going for prey it got something out of sight in the cattails. On another long run I think its prey off the ice but it was fast action and I missed it. Some sun was in the forecast I read for today, but it was just another cloudy day, cold with low winds. It always amazes me the speed these birds have as they travel long distances in only seconds. Images were taken on January 16, 2015.
Going for the prey!
Snowy Owl
Binomial name: Bubo scandiacus
Category: Typical Owls
Description: Adult males are mostly white with a few dark feather tips. Adult females and juveniles are white with dark scalloping on chest, back, wings, and tail. Yellow eyes, black beak, and feathery feet.
Size: 20”- 28” long, 49” – 59” wingspan
Weight: 3.5 lb. – 6.6 lb.
Habitat: Wide open, treeless spaces such as shorelines, lakes, open fields, and agricultural sites.
Diet: Small mammals such as rodents, lemmings, voles, mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other birds such as shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, geese, and pheasants.
Nesting: The female builds a nest on a mound with good visibility. She scrapes away the top layer of soil and, over several days, presses her body into the ground to make a depression. She will lay a clutch of 3 to 11 eggs and incubate them for about 5 weeks. Both parents will defend the nest and care for the hatchlings which are born pure white. The same nest may be used year after year.
Notes: Snowy owls are considered the heaviest owl in North America, weighing about a pound more than its closest contender, the Great Horned Owl. A snowy owl was featured in the Harry Potter series when Harry received his pet, Hedwig. It is also the official bird of Quebec.
Going for the prey!
Going for the prey!
Going for the prey!
Going for the prey!
Across the ice to a hunting perch!
Across the ice to a hunting perch!
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
Hunting
Takes flight for potential prey!
Two Snowy Owls in this image, doc shot.
Jim, what a greats series on the snowy
owl, you have some of the best i have seen so far this year.
You have a great photographers eye and display then In a positive manor.
Love your shots!
Absolutely georgeous , Jim.
First file opened on the PC this morning and that made our day! Thanks.
Beautiful photos. I’m heading out this weekend to try and photograph my first Snowy Owl, but have no idea where to look in Horicon Marsh. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
nice pics of the snowy, thanks for sharing.
Jim, these shots are fantastic. I’m interested in knowing
the size lens you use. Can you share that info? Thanks so much for these great pics.