Tricia and I traveled to the Jersey Shore early Thanksgiving morning to spend the holiday with her family there. I was able run to the beach to sneak in couple of hours of birding before the festivities began. I love birding at the beach in the winter, it’s such a pleasant experience, and I enjoyed many of the expected goodies. Highlights included Common and Red-throated Loons, Black Scoters, and loads of Brant. But the true highlight was when I happened upon a SNOWY OWL resting in the dunes. I shared my discovery with two non-birder women who were appropriately blown away by the view in my scope. What an awesome surprise; it’s been a while since I’ve seen one and this bird did not disappoint.
Wow, Wow, Wow!! I’ll bet THAT was exciting! Beautiful shots, Matt.
Very exciting! Thanks Miller! Matt
Happy Holidays Matt and Trisha!
Happy Holidays John!
What a beautiful bird and what great shots! I’m touched that you captured the atmosphere of the bird peacefully basking in the cool breeze.
Thanks Norma. My goal, which I achieved, was to take my shots and move on, leaving the bird just as I found it. Matt
It pays to spend some time with family during the holidays, great find and photo.
Enjoy the holidays.
Ha ha, I guess it does! Thanks so much Joe, and happy holidays to you. Matt
Always a great sight indeed and wonderfully captured as we’ve grown to expect!
Especially since it’s been a while! Thanks Dave! Matt
Wow! That was a nice surprise and as par for the course some sweet photos!
Happy Holidays!
Scotty
It made my morning Scotty, no doubt about it. Thanks for the kind words and for checking in. Matt
Beautiful, Matt! Appreciate “bird-in-habitat” images so much more and that you were able to view without an “owl mob scene” makes it even more special. Thanks for sharing!
Deb I totally agree with what you are saying – it was a joy to enjoy the bird briefly and in peace before moving on. Matt
Great to see the snowy owls back again. I was in the Tuckerton area on fri. And sat. Looking for western king bird. Missed by a hour on both days. Went to Brig yesterday and did get the harriers. Also missed the tufted duck in Morristown by 5 hours. Have seen it at least 3 times in the state however. Jose and I had 2 Sandhills at the Great Swamp this afternoon as well as a barred owl. I am assuming that the snowy was at the south end of LBI. You can appreciate your 500mm lens at this time
Good to hear you are keeping super busy Bruce! Good guess, but no the owl wasn’t at LBI. Matt
That birds looks toasted, high, drunk, etc
Ha ha, yeah totally blissed out. Matt