That would be my second best birding spot, knowing in advance that the Snowies gather along the St Lawrence River shoreline from December onward.
This one here is likely a returning owl as it always can be found in specific spots year after year.
Enjoy!

[onlineflyer]

Great pictures. We had one land in a tree outside our house once. By the time I was able to grab my camera, it was flying away. They are magnificent creatures.

[8540tomg]

Outstanding.

Tom G

[Sailor]

My gosh, what a splendid photograph. An amazing piece of work, indeed.

Jer

[L3 Doddle]

Sweet... You have to love owls. Although I have had good luck with Great Grays Snowies are on my bucket list.

[PhotoHeron]

Very nicely done.

[paulh]

Stunning images.

Nice pics! I plan to get out later this week as there are 2 hanging around between Stittsville and Richmond Ontario. Apparently nearly Rushmore road which is between Old Richmond Road and Eagleson for those in the area

[jpzk]

Hey !!
I used to live in Richmond !!
What a coincidence!
Good luck with the owl chase ...

---------- Post added 02-06-16 at 08:43 PM ----------

Thanks to all for the very kind comments .... always appreciated indeed !
Cheers!

[Murra54]

The first photograph is an amazing tribute to your expertise and knowledge.

[jpzk]

The first photograph is an amazing tribute to your expertise and knowledge.

Thanks !

[r0ckstarr]

Great shots. I have yet to see any kind of owl when I have a camera in my hands.

[jpzk]

Great shots. I have yet to see any kind of owl when I have a camera in my hands.

Thanks r0kstarr.

That is the problem with wildlife: you either see it when you're ready for it and, most often, it's there and you don't have your camera!

I am only hoping that the K3 will perform just as well as my K5.
Cheers!

BTW ... the signature is just fine now!

[MSL]

That first shot is one of your best

[jpzk]

That first shot is one of your best

Thanks, MSL.

---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 03:56 PM ----------

I never get to see owls "in the flesh" so these are a treat. I hope you get more tomorrow and post 'em.

Wonderful captures!

Sorry about the late replies, folks!
Yeah, I was able to get some the next day but too far that time.

---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 03:57 PM ----------

Wonderful shots! How close were you able to get?

Thanks! I was about 50 feet or so .... image is obviously cropped.

Hi jpzk. Very good photographs of a stunning subject. Well done.

Thank you !

---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 03:59 PM ----------

Super shots. Never seen a snowy in the wild. I am so jealous.

Those are wonderful images, you are a lucky man, I have never seen one in the wild.

Wonderful. I only saw a Barn Owl in the wild until now.

Beautifully sharp shots!

Thanks a whole bunch everyone!
You have to know where they are and hope to be close enough .... that doesn't happen too often.
I wish I could see at least one different type of owl one day. Snowies are nice and so are the other "non winter" ones!

---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 04:02 PM ----------

Only your second best birding spot? I see owls on fence posts and signposts out in rural areas from time to time, but as soon as I slow down they start flying. I've seen them circle for a few minutes, waiting to see what I do. If I maintain my speed they don't move when I drive by, but if I stop further down the road and wait more than a minute or two, they find another place to perch a quarter of a mile away. If I start to move shortly after I stop, they return to their previous perching spot (and presumably go back to waiting for the same rabbit to move). Excellent shot!

That is so very typical of most birds of prey: same here with Rough-legged hawks: same pattern!
Again, the same with the kestrels: they make you run all over the places!
For the Snowies, I am lucky enough to know where they "will be" but never sure how close though. They will let you come quite close at times.

---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 04:08 PM ----------

The first shot is absolutely breath-taking! Bravo! Most definitely National Geographic-worthy! TFS.

Much appreciated comment, Dewman.

Like barn owls, they are more likely to be seen in midday that other owls. Barred owls are very common here, but are heard much more than seen. Snowies only rarely come down into northern or central Illinois, I've read that it's more common for first-year males to venture the farthest south. Unfortunately, the second time one hears reports of one being in this area, it is likely to hear that some moron has shot it. What is exciting in my region is that Bald Eagles have started breeding here again, and can be seen in summer sometimes, not only in winter when they congregate near patches of open water on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Sometimes I get to see one over the field just north of our property. Perhaps there will be future photography opportunities.

Let me second the applause for the photographs of these snowies! An enviable technical and artistic feat!

We too here are supposed to have quite an assortment of different owls but, as luck goes and after several years searching, I have yet to see one owl besides the Snowies.
Baldies are also slowly coming to our region, something that was unheard of up to a few years ago.
Thanks for the kind comment.

Great photos!

Lucky to get that close or even see it!

Only owl I've seen (not in a zoo) was a floating white blur lifting away from a dead chicken... from the sounds it makes we've identified it as a great horned owl.

Thanks Bertwert.
We have to help luck at times but it's never easy!


---------- Post added 02-22-16 at 04:10 PM ----------

The first photograph is an amazing tribute to your expertise and knowledge.

Flattering comment ... !
Than you!

[wildman]

Yep you nailed Her...