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Project Noah Nature School
Bubo scandiacus
This large, heavy owl is predominately white. Young males and females are heavily barred with brown or black. Adult males tend to be lighter. Wingspan is up to 145 cm (57 in) in length.
Breeds on Arctic tundra and often moves south to southern Canada in winter, along with New England. In some years, they move south into northern or even central US.
This owl was sitting on a power pole crossarm for about about an hour when a second owl flew over. The first one took off and chased the second one. As it did so I fired off several shots as it flew past me. These are such gorgeous birds!
Spotted on Jan 31, 2014
Submitted on Feb 1, 2014
22 Comments
It looks like Hedwig
Thanks for your kind comments. They are such spectacular birds. I was hoping to get out this afternoon, but I needed to get my taxes done--that's almost as much fun...not...grin....
beautiful!
Beautiful SOTD Gordon!
Ava, Had to chuckle at your creative use...grin.
OK. I used this one for my SuperB Owl post.
Congratulations on the SOTD!
Wonderful!
Picture 2: sick shot bro! You're a boss. Well deserved, congrats.
I used a Canon 5DII with a 300mm f4L plus 1.4x converter for the photos. I was aware that they had been seen as far south as Florida. That is unbelievable. I wonder why they would fly so far south? (Not that Florida is a bad place; I'm about ready to head there myself after this really cold and snowy winter.)
Congratulations on the SOTD, well deserved. Fantastic pictures of a great Bird!!
Unbelievable image. What kind of camera and lens?
ooh that owl is pretty!
And gorgeous pictures. Did you know they have been spotted as far as Florida this year on the East coast? I love it against the blue sky. There have been a couple spottings in a field near us, but I have not seen any yet.
Yes! Well done Gordon. Congratulations & what a beauty :)
Spectacular! Congratulations Gordon.
Thanks for the kind comments everyone. I've photographed owl irruptions before, but this may be a once in a lifetime event to see these owls in such numbers in our area. I have made several trips to this location as there are several in the area. They are, however, animals of great open spaces and I've only seen one this close before. Persistence pays off, I guess....grin.
Congratulaions on SOTD.
Congratulations Gordon. Awesome series
Gordon I just love the 2nd shot! What a gorgeous bird! Thanks for sharing such an awesome series and congratulations on another well deserved Spotting of the Day!
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Congratulations, Gordon!
I just love them not only they are gorgeous but they are so photogenic or only good photographers take pictures of them!!?? ; )