On Friday January 17th I decided to make the drive down to the Toronto region to search for Snowy Owls. This year we are experiencing record numbers of of Snowy Owls in Ontario as they have migrated down from their Arctic home.. My destination for the day was going to be Colonel Samuel Smith Park. Upon my arrival a strong wind was already picking up off the lake, which was sure to make things a little uncomfortable and cold. After much searching I came to realize that I was not going to have any luck at my chosen destination. After a few icy shoreline images I decided to head a little to the east and try my luck at Humber Bay Park – at least it is good for ducks and I can usually find a few co-operative Long-tailed Ducks, which also migrate down to this area from the high Arctic.
Alas my day would come to an end and I would make the long trek home so that I could make it on time for a chiropractor appointment in Barrie and then pick-up my daughter when school ended for the day. After picking up my daughter, we began to drive home and wouldn’t you know it, not 5 kilometers from my home there are two Snowy Owls. As fate would have it I drove roughly 200 kilometers in search of Snowy Owls when they were virtually waiting at my doorstep, but had I stayed home I would not have captured my best image, to date, of a Long-tailed Drake.
On Friday evening and today as well, I went out to create some photos of these Snowy Owls and will continue to do so as long as they are wintering here. No more long drives to find them ๐
Hi Andrew
I love your snowy owl pics.
I also have the rx100 and I love that camera.
I am attaching an image of geese that I hope you can identify the species for my camera club competition.(so I can give it a proper title)
Thanks so much.
Regards,
Rachel Schneiderman
Much thanks Rachel…did not see the attachment…please send again to my home email ๐
All nice shots and sure looks cold! I love the Long-tailed drake!
Hi Denise, thanks so much ๐
Fantastic! Is this a rare occurrence in your parts? The ‘polar vortex’ seems to be the new thing!
Much appreciated Denise, no we usually get see a snowy or two each winter, but this year there are numerous of them around.
Spectacular shots Andrew! Glad you got too see the snowy!
Much thanks Michael