Tony's Takes Photography

Wildlife, landscape and weather photography

Return of the Snowy Owl?

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It was almost exactly two years ago that my son and I were on a photo drive and we spotted this odd, white clump of “snow” on a piece of oil equipment. As we went by, I realized what it was and became absolutely giddy. That day and then again a week later I was able to get some images of it. None of the pictures were extraordinary but the encounter itself was amazing as they rarely make it this far south to Colorado.

I was just reading an article that says that indications are that they may once again come a good ways south this winter. I can only hope! I’ll definitely be looking. For those interested, see here.

A Snowy Owl hangs out on a piece of oil equipment near Denver, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Snowy Owl hangs out on a piece of oil equipment near Denver, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

The Snowy Owl says, “I want snow!”

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Well, actually it was yawning at the time this picture was taken on December 5. But I have no doubt this visitor from the Arctic would have preferred a whiter landscape.

Today it gets its wish as the Denver area is getting hit by a stronger-than-expected snowstorm.

Unfortunately this rare bird disappeared a couple of days after this picture was taken and it hasn’t been seen since. I’m sure it is still in the area but I have not been lucky enough to re-locate it.

A Snowy Owl yawns in a field on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Snowy Owl yawns in a field on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)

Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl

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Working together, some fellow shutterbugs and I were able to find a Snowy Owl in rural Adams County, Colorado yesterday. We were absolutely giddy with excitement, even if the owl stayed a good ways away and never let us get very close.

While I managed some ‘okay’ pics of just the owl, this particularly event was the most interesting. Out of the blue, a Northern Harrier flew in and started making high speed passes at the owl. It was clear the hawk did not appreciate the Arctic visitor intruding on its hunting grounds. It never did actually strike but came quite close and certainly made its feelings about the owl’s presence known.

It was a lot of fun to watch but I couldn’t help but be yelling inside, “leave the owl alone!” Snowy Owls are such a rarity, I didn’t want anything to scare if off. 😉

A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Northern Harrier hassles a Snowy Owl on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)

Snowy Owl makes an incredibly rare appearance

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Well, what else can I say about my photo excursion this past Saturday beyond: Snowy Owl! Yes, the lighting was horrible and yes, it was snowing so the pics didn’t come out all that great but… It is a Snowy Owl!

My son and I were out on our morning photo excursion on the Colorado plains in an area we don’t normally frequent when I spotted this beautiful creature. On first glance, I thought it was a clump of snow that had somehow gathered in a weird way but as we drove by, realization set in. My son and I screamed excitedly and I quickly made a U-turn back to the spot.

We both managed a good number of captures before it flew away – unfortunately directly away so we only got rear-end flight shots. It is quite rare that these gorgeous birds come this far south so I count myself very, very lucky to have seen it.

Snowy Owls maintain their distinctive white plumage to help them better blend in at their summer home in the Arctic. During the winter they move south into Canada and the northern quarter of the contiguous United States. Adult males are pure white while females like this one have the ‘salt and pepper’ markings.

As an addendum, because this is such a rare find, I have already been asked by many people and groups to share its location. I will not. This find is going to be kept between me and my son. It is not often a Snowy Owl is found in Colorado and I don’t want to stress it by a having a glut of photographers descend on its location. After a few months when I am confident the owl has moved on, I will log the find with some organizations as I do realize there is a scientific benefit to knowing the creature was here. Until then, mums the word.

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A female Snowy Owl keeps watch on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)
A female Snowy Owl keeps watch on the Colorado plains. (© Tony’s Takes)