Snowy Owl at Predawn

Naturescapes.net Photo of the week

In the high Arctic, scarcity of lemmings (their main food source) forces Snowy Owls from their home territory every six to eight years. The migration south landed this owl in Damon Point, Washington. I planned an early morning shoot to eliminate harsh shadowing in the owl’s eyes. The problem was that it is mostly rainy and overcast in Washington State in February. I figured I could achieve a worthy shot if I took it a minute or two before sunrise. Too much light would cause the owl’s pupils to shrink.

Spirits high, I trekked in the dark to the spot where the owls frequented. I lay belly down on the beach and slithered around in search of one. Finally, one appeared perched on a striking piece of driftwood. His constant movement presented challenges. I finally achieved an image with prominent pupils and a pleasantly purple sky.

Snowy Owl, Damon Point, Washington, USA, 2012

Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon 500mm F/4, f/4, 1/60s, ISO 800, Gitzo tripod