Snowy in the Black Dirt 1/28/14

Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.
Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.

The past two evenings after work, I made my way out to the Black Dirt Region hoping to relocate one of the Snowy Owls that has been seen out there. I was successful on both nights and was rewarded with distant but extended views of the bird. It is very enjoyable for me to watch from such a great distance – I can spend some time watching the bird’s behavior and there is no risk of bothering the bird. I can still snap a few distant photos, and sitting in my car, I can entertain the thought that the bird might decide to come a little closer for better looks and photos. This, of course, didn’t happen (this time!), but I like the idea that it might.

Meanwhile, I think I can now identify Snow Buntings by ear. While looking through my binoculars at the Snowy, I heard some birds passing overhead and I immediately thought they sounded like Snow Buntings. My suspicions were confirmed when the flock landed not too far from my car, revealing approximately 15 Horned Larks and 10 Snow Buntings.

Ten Snow Buntings in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.
Ten Snow Buntings in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.
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I love these Snow Buntings, they’re so sweet to watch. Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.

 

4 thoughts on “Snowy in the Black Dirt 1/28/14”

  1. Where, oh where, have you seen the snowy owl? I’ve been looking for 2 weeks. Please where and about what time. And thank you!

  2. I so want to see a snow bunting up close!!!!

    I’m so excited, Carol sent me another blog site..Nemesis…YAY!!!!

  3. I love the pictures being that I live in the Black Dirt region of Pine Island NY. Just wondering what the best time is to spot the snowy owl. I walk my dog all the time behind my house and have never seen this Bird. I have seen Plovers that nest in the dirt and remind me of misplaced beach birds as the run through the black dirt with their long legs like Sand Pipers.

    Did you use a spotting scope to see these and capture these images?

    Ann

    1. Snowy Owls can be see really at any time of day, but right before sunset they tend to be more active and therefore possibly more likely to be seen. I use a spotting scope all the time for distant birds like this, the photos were taken with a Canon 100-400mm zoom lens (and then cropped pretty heavily). BTW, I like the phrase misplaced beach birds – it conjures up sweet images.

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