After raining most of the day, it eventually stopped and started to clear up. With a chance to get out and enjoy the last hour or so of light, I headed out to Boundary Bay. Not having actively tried for any Snowy Owls recently, I thought I would give them a go.
Snowy Owl
On arriving there were a couple of birds in fairly close to the dyke.
Snowy Owl
This particular bird was roosting nicely atop this old stump,
Snowy Owl
… but soon moved to back side bobbing its head looking at the passers by.
Snowy Owl
I moved down a little further to be able to see it on the back side.
Snowy Owl
It seemed quite relaxed yawning and preening,
Snowy Owl
… much to the delight of those out enjoying this Christmas Eve at Boundary Bay.
Well things did not go quite as planned today. The beautiful day it was, I had hoped to get out earlier. Unfortunately I only managed a brief walk out in Boundary Bay just before the sun went down.
There were the usual Northern Harriers up and hunting. Use to seeing them roosting on logs or down in the marsh when they stop to rest,
Northern Harrier
… this adult male Harrier provided a change of pace by choosing this tree.
There were some Short-eared Owls cruising the area along with several Snow Owls roosting. There were still lots of photographers going after the owls so I did not bother to head out.
Snowy Owl & Northern Harrier
On my way back I did manage this shot of a Northern Harrier making a pass at a Snowy Owl roosting on an old stump. The Snowy ended up there after being flushed off another log by a photographer. They just can’t seem to get a break some days.
Birding and bird photography started for me in the winter of 2005. The bird responsible for this was the Snowy Owl. In recent posts I have commented on the owls being seen again this year, but I had not actively gone out for photos until today.
I headed out to Boundary Bay at sunrise this morning. I was somewhat surprised to see 10-12 photographers already out at the edge of the marsh along the shoreline. I met a couple of fellow birders and we walked together while heading west along the dyke. We could see the Snowy Owls all seemed to be located at the waters edge. Carrying on past where the group of photographers were we could still see some owls out there. I realized if I wanted photos, I was going to have to make the trek out through the marsh. This seemed as good a spot as any. As all the other photographers were further east, I could proceed on my own and not have to worry about approaching as part of a group.
Now it was just a matter of finding a cooperative bird or two on this frosty morning.
Snowy Owl
This Snowy Owl was roosting on a hummock at the waters edge.
Snowy Owl
It would occasionally give me the odd glance.
Snowy Owl
Up next was this Snowy Owl perched at the end of a log.
Snowy Owl
It allowed me to get a little closer,
Snowy Owl
… where I just stayed low on my knees.
Snowy Owl
The owl then stood up briefly providing a view of the feathers all the way down and over the feet/talons. This was more of an alert posture.
Snowy Owl
Something off to my right seemed to have its attention and it then flew off.
Not having the proper foot wear, my feet were now wet and getting cold, it was time to head back in. Just as well though as you want to limit your time with these birds and minimize the amount of disturbance.
So it took almost six years before getting some more time with these beautiful birds. Well worth the wait and the hobby they got me started on.
