This juvenile snowy owl was kind enough to give me a couple different settings to photograph it in as it moved between the dunes and sea ice that had formed in the inlet at Sandy Point State Reservation. It's really quite fascinating to see an owl in a beach setting, but since they breed and live on the arctic tundra during the summers, this sort of landscape seems to make sense for them. Lots of low plants, and good visibility. I'm still hoping to return to find and photograph snowy owls in golden light and perhaps during a snow flurry, but we'll have to see if they'll cooperate with me for those.
In other news, if you would like to see some great photography, Jim Goldstein has posted the list for his 2011 Blog Project, which includes a "Best Photos of 2011" post from 289 different photographers that follow his blog! If you have some time and would like to be inspired, I highly recommend browsing the list, and perhaps a good place to start is my own Favorite Photographs of 2011 post.
Submitted to World Bird Wednesday -- Follow the link to check out this week's posts.
Lovely shot Pat. Such beautiful hunters.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful owl! I'd like to see one in person.
ReplyDeleteLove your photo! Such a beautiful owl!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably beautiful shot!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful bird and shot!
ReplyDeleteGrean shot Pat. Boom &Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful capture..
ReplyDeleteNicely done. I can only imagine the feeling.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of the owl. Thanks for the explanation of why it would feel at home in the beach environment - that was my first question when looking at your photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture!
ReplyDeleteSo it's like an hour and a half later and I'm just getting back from Jim Goldstein's 2011 Blog Project. That was one hell of an experience and mighty humbling there Dr. Ulrich. Your top 10 is the class of the group of course.
ReplyDeleteThe owl shot is an example of your classic treatment. Given the Snowy owls regular habits I'll bet you capture him in the perfect light soon. It'll probably be on next years top ten!
Awesome photo, I just love these beautiful owls.
ReplyDeleteShades of Harry Potter, could this be Hedwig. :)
ReplyDeleteThe movie series had me loving these little guys. I'm envious you get to see them.
Fantastic shot!
I'm off to check out your link.
How wonderful and so beautiful!
ReplyDeletethat sure is a wonderful owl
ReplyDeleteHave I ever mentioned that owls are my favourite? This one is gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteA great portrait of this very smart young fellow in his camouflage suit. I have always, or at least since 1960, been fascinated by snowies but have never actually had the chance to see one myself.
ReplyDelete