A Snowy Thanksgiving

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.

~Snowy Owl at the Jersey Shore, 11/24/21.~
~A closer crop of the Snowy Owl at the Jersey Shore, 11/24/21.~

18 thoughts on “A Snowy Thanksgiving”

  1. 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.

    1. Thanks Norma. My goal, which I achieved, was to take my shots and move on, leaving the bird just as I found it. Matt

  2. It pays to spend some time with family during the holidays, great find and photo.
    Enjoy the holidays.

  3. Wow! That was a nice surprise and as par for the course some sweet photos!
    Happy Holidays!

    Scotty

    1. It made my morning Scotty, no doubt about it. Thanks for the kind words and for checking in. Matt

  4. 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!

    1. 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

  5. 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

    1. Good to hear you are keeping super busy Bruce! Good guess, but no the owl wasn’t at LBI. Matt

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