ORANGE COUNTY SNOWY OWL!!!

~Wow!, Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt Region, 1/14/16.~
~Wow!, Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt Region, 1/14/16.~

I met Kyle out in the Black Dirt this evening after work to try for some raptors – Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls were the goal. I was pleasantly surprised when I spotted a large white bird fly over a field in the distance, being chased by crows – SNOWY OWL!!! We immediately jumped out of the car and got the bird in the scope to find it had perched on a distant small post in a field. We watched the bird as it was harassed by both Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls; it flew one time and found a new perch, but shortly after returned to its original perch. The bird was very distant, so pics were tough; the above is from the camera, and the shot below is with the iPhone through the scope. It was a super exciting night! Lifer Snowy for Kyle and my first one in a couple of years!

***If you go for this bird, please be respectful of the locals in the black dirt. Many roads are private and not public and shouldn’t be used without permission. Farmers are still working so please keep all roads clear and let them work. As a general rule, for me, if there is any sort of work going on I leave the area.***

~iPhone shot through the spotting scope - Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt, 1/14/16.~
~iPhone shot through the spotting scope – Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt, 1/14/16.~

18 thoughts on “ORANGE COUNTY SNOWY OWL!!!”

  1. Oh wow, I knew it was just a matter of time. There has been one in Stratford Conn.

    YAY MATT!!!! I know where I’ll be Saturday, weather permitting.

    Wilma

  2. Congrats Matt, and thanks for letting me know. I hope to get out there again, maybe for some pics. Thanks again, John

  3. Thanks Matt! I was thinking about going up sunday. Now I should think harder!
    P.s wanted to see the dark phase RTH!
    Bill

  4. Yes; I referenced Snowy Owl sighting in my Leucistic Red-tailed comment; could be owl I saw last March by St. Stephen’s. Bird headed away towards Pine Island/Black Dirt area.

  5. Hey Matt,

    I know people don’t typically give out the exact location, but I would really love to see this bird. Any tips?

    1. Sorry Ben, I did not see this until this evening and unfortunately the bird was not relocated today. Matt

Comments are closed.