BackdoorArts
Senior Member
There is an active incursion of Snowy Owls into our area this year. In NJ alone there have been over 2 dozen distinct Snowys identified thus far, and the word is that more can be expected, which would likely set an all-time record for the species in the state. Thus far none have been near us for anything other than a single day, but about 20 miles from us one seems to have taken up residence in an open field in PA, so we set out to find it before heading out to dinner. As we got close we realized while I'd packed all the appropriate photo gear, we'd forgotten the binoculars, so my decided she'd stay in the car while I tried to capture some photos. Driving along where it was cited my wife pointed out in the middle of the field it had been spotted near and said, "There's something white out there." We found a spot to park, I put on my boots, grabbed my monopod and the D800 & Sigma 150-500mm and started walking. As I cleared a hill this is what I saw...
I kept walking and as I got to about 150 yards away it took off and headed left towards the road we came in on. Right on the edge of that road was a house under construction, and I was hoping it would decide to park it on the roof. I was lucky, for it pulled up on the chimney. I hustled back to the car, stomped off the mud, got in and drove slowly towards the house. I was able to get some shots from the road, but it didn't seem to mind the car, so I chanced pulling into the driveway. It just stared at us, and provided I was willing to stay in the car it was willing to pose.
This is our second female Snowy in 3 years, one in NJ and one in PA. We are very fortunate. In 2011 when we had one very near our home we met people who had been birding for years and had driven 4-6 hours to see the one we went to see almost every day. I'm hoping to see more, and perhaps this one a couple more times.
I kept walking and as I got to about 150 yards away it took off and headed left towards the road we came in on. Right on the edge of that road was a house under construction, and I was hoping it would decide to park it on the roof. I was lucky, for it pulled up on the chimney. I hustled back to the car, stomped off the mud, got in and drove slowly towards the house. I was able to get some shots from the road, but it didn't seem to mind the car, so I chanced pulling into the driveway. It just stared at us, and provided I was willing to stay in the car it was willing to pose.
This is our second female Snowy in 3 years, one in NJ and one in PA. We are very fortunate. In 2011 when we had one very near our home we met people who had been birding for years and had driven 4-6 hours to see the one we went to see almost every day. I'm hoping to see more, and perhaps this one a couple more times.