Snowy Owl in the Morning

[MadMikeOne]

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

Since it's "Snowy Season", I thought I'd post one of my favorites from a few years go. This year, I have been coming up empty. I know they are here. I know the general area to look, but NO luck. So I'm left with looking back at past years.

 

[Ralph]

View attachment 103918Since it's "Snowy Season", I thought I'd post one of my favorites from a few years go. This year, I have been coming up empty. I know they are here. I know the general area to look, but NO luck. So I'm left with looking back at past years.

I thought at first you were successful today until I read the caption. Beautiful shot

 

[MadMikeOne]

I thought at first you were successful today until I read the caption. Beautiful shot

Thanks, Ralph!

If I HAD been successful today, you would have known before I posted . This is becoming frustrating.

 

[Ralph]

M

Thanks, Ralph!

If I HAD been successful today, you would have known before I posted . This is becoming frustrating.

Maybe in January we might get lucky. I feel pretty good today. Didn’t get sore like I thought I would.

 

[MadMikeOne]

M

Maybe in January we might get lucky.

Fingers crossed, gear ready!

 

[ButlerKid]

GREAT image! It posted just fine! So glad you shared this image!

 

[MadMikeOne]

GREAT image! It posted just fine! So glad you shared this image!

Thanks, Karen. I'm finally getting my nerve up. It's taken me long enough!

 

[ButlerKid]

Thanks, Karen. I'm finally getting my nerve up. It's taken me long enough!

You done good! I'm looking forward to more images from you!

 

[Charles Loy]

Super photo. We don't have that owl in my neck of the woods

 

[MadMikeOne]

Super photo. We don't have that owl in my neck of the woods

Thank you so much.

They are not native to New Jersey, but occasionally come south from their home territory in the far north. Every few winters, there is an "irruption" when they come south for reasons that no one seems sure of. This year, as far as I know, we have 3 individuals spread over 3 counties in southern NJ. So far, they have been very elusive. On Christmas Day, I headed out to look for the one reported in an area that is very familiar to me. It's a 3-4 mile stretch of beach. Well, I hiked the entire length of the strip - bay to ocean and end to end. NADA! There were several others searching from early AM, but absolutely NO luck. Boy, did I ever sleep that night!

Here's a link to some info:

What is an irruption? - Project SNOWstorm

Download PDF | Download image Snowy owls come south in unpredictable invasions known as ‘irruptions.’ It’s mostly about food and babies, but we have a lot to learn about this phenomenon. Snowy owl migration is complex; some birds migrate south predictably and regularly, while others remain on...

www.projectsnowstorm.org

 

[MorganP]

Nice Shot.

 

[MadMikeOne]

Nice Shot.

Thanks!

 

[JPtri]

a superb bird in a magical light

 

[MadMikeOne]

a superb bird in a magical light

Thank you so much. It was VERY early and the sun was just beginning to light up the marsh.

 

[Louis champan]

Terrific shot!

 

[MadMikeOne]

Terrific shot!

Thank you. It's one of my favorites.

 

[ssheipel]

Beautiful shot. Snowy Owls are the biggest blow to my self esteem as I continue to search fruitlessly for them or to find them in a photo gettable spot

 

[MikeA]

Super photo!!!

 

[MadMikeOne]

Beautiful shot. Snowy Owls are the biggest blow to my self esteem as I continue to search fruitlessly for them or to find them in a photo gettable spot

Thank you so much.
Well, I've not been successful yet this year. I know they are "out there somewhere", but never where I am

 

[MadMikeOne]

Super photo!!!

Thank you, Mike. I smile whenever I think of the circumstances of that morning.