As winter rolls along, I am wondering what is in store for my work as I hunker-down at home in Montreal. I have not ventured out with my camera in months! The winter of 2019-20 was memorable as it was the year I met my first snowy owl! While this truly magnificent owl is the official bird of my home province of Québec, I had never actually seen one in the wild. Last winter changed all that.

These large owls migrate down from the Artic during the winter months and can be found in areas with open fields–their preferred hunting grounds. They like to perch on the ground or on low fenceposts where they will patiently wait for their prey, usually a small rodent. Have you ever tried looking for something white, in a field of white? It can be a challenge!

Snowy on a Snow Bank

Luckily, I was able to spot a couple of snowy owls for some closer encounters. However, the fellow I spent time with insisted on hunkering down between two very dirty snowbanks, making for a very unattractive photo shoot. Still, it was a thrill to see one of these birds up close.

On my return visit the sides were overcast and I found him in the same area, once again sitting up on a dirty pile of snow. I decided to try something a little different…

Ghostly Snowy Owl

I wanted to create an image that evoked more of an ethereal feel of this exceptional creature, having him appear almost ghost-like. I dug a trench in the snow and got down on my belly, burying my lens and pushing snow away from part of the lens opening. I really wish I had thought to tuck my shirt in before I did this–I can assure you that snow on the belly can motivate you to work quickly! The owl was very co-operative sitting in one place, surveying his kingdom although I am pretty sure I saw him roll his eyes at my antics.

Hopefully I be lucky this winter and have another chance to photograph one of these magnificent owls that live here in our backyard in Québec.

One more thing…

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