Snowy Owl
The Snowy Owl spends most of the year in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. In winter it may migrate to southern Canada, where it hunts for an abundance of rodents in open fields and meadows. This owl is perched atop a utility pole on Amherst Island, Ontario, one of the best spots in southern Ontario to see snowy owls.
Snowy Owl scans fields for prey
Snowy Owls are primarily diurnal predators. They spend hours perched atop utility poles, fence posts and trees to get a good view of surrounding fields. Their superb vision and hearing allow them to detect the tiniest of prey even beneath the surface of the snow.
Staring down the photographer!
Accustomed as they are to wintering in rural and inhabited areas, Snowy Owls seem mostly unperturbed by human activity. This one did not let me interrupt its hunting, as it casually checked me out.
Snowy Owl plumage
Although adult males are mostly white, the plumage of females and immature males and females may have distinct brown bars, as with this owl.
Snowy Owl portrait
The distinctive yellow eyes of the Snowy Owl are evident in this image.
Snowy Owl in flight
Snowy Owls are among the largest owls, with a wingspan that can exceed 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Like all owls, Snowy Owls have remarkable vision that allows them to see prey at distances of over 1 kilometre. In addition, their night vision is actually better than their day vision.
This image also highlights the striking yellow eyes of the Snowy Owl.
Coming in for a landing (1)
A snowy owl approaches the top of a utility pole from where it can watch for prey.
Coming in for a landing (2)
Touchdown
The owl settles onto its lofty perch to scan the surrounding fields for prey. The fact that owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees to look around means it will not even have to shift its position as it waits.
A final stare
This fellow (lady?) offers a final glare in my direction, as if to say, 'Haven't you had enough? I'm busy".
