So imagine this – it’s a gray, gray Saturday. But I’m lucky enough to be sitting inside a warm, sunshiny colored room, writing away with friends, Cindy and Mona. Around three o’clock, we all sat back and commented on what a great session it was. I personally added about 2300 words to my first draft! I was satisfied. I’d done what I’d come to do, gaining momentum on the first draft of a new story . .. . aaaaand gotten some face-to-face time with two of my favorite writers.
Noticing that I’d brought my camera with the big lens with me (I never go anywhere without it), Cindy asked if I wanted to go find the Snowy Owl.
“Nah,” I replied, looking out the window. “It’s gray. It’s spitting rain. I’m not experienced enough to have had much luck with gray day photography -”
“Let’s go,” Mona said, jumping up. “I love gray day photography!” Her enthusiasm is always so catchy! The next thing I know, we’re all piling in the car and driving to the spot where Cindy and her daughter had spied the beautiful raptor a couple weeks before.
Now, I have a confession to make. Whenever I encounter wildlife, or a beautiful setting unexpectedly, I get teary. The first time I saw triplet eaglets . . . my first loon chick . .. fox kits . . . a gorgeous full moon rising up through a purple sunset sky . . . .
Very geeky of me, I know, but I do.
This time was no exception. As we neared the location, Mona gasped and said, “Look!”
My eyes filled, to see this magnificent creature fluffing up and preening at the top of a light post.
We slowly and quietly got out of the car and the Snowy Owl glanced our way with it’s yellow eyes.
Another photographer came to introduce himself to us and told us how he’d come and found this Snowy Owl perched in the middle of the field. Right before we’d arrived, it had flown toward him to perch on the light post in the middle of the parking lot.
I’d like to think it knew we were coming. Okay, that’s impossible, I know. But the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We spent close to an hour standing there, ooohing and aaaahing. I snapped photo after photo, hoping I’d be able to capture it’s beauty.
I’m so glad I have friends who are willing to push me to try . . . not letting me listen to my own doubts. This Snowy Owl was a wonder to behold.
And as it turns out, I did get some pretty good photos. Gray day and all.
“Let’s just do it!” and we did. Perfect day with you my friends and perfect ending to top it off.
And, Tam I got up with Indigo Bunting on my mind. They haven’t been at my feeder for a few years, but bright teal colored beauty!
Wonderful meeting up with you at BNAS/Brunswick Executive Airport, and sharing the Incredible sights of this Snowy Owl. I hope to meet again sharing the “Wild”
It was great to meet you too, Chuck! I’ve met so many wonderful people while out birding . . .
Indigo Buntings are on my Birding Bucket List too! Ed (remember Ed?) used to tell me he had one appear at his feeder while he was seasonal here, but I could never get it to come to mine.
Chuck is my brother. I live in RI. We had an abundance of snowy owls this far south in 2012/2013 winter. Chuck was here for the holidays the following winter and I was out of work so we spent some time looking to photograph one while he was here. He has a talent, as you do also, of attrackiting the most amazing wildlife. Sadly we did not see one last year but it is never without some other cool sightings that I’ll never forget. We got pictures of all kinds of birds. Many right near my home had I taken the time to look without Chucks encouragement. I have an eagle framed that we photographed on the way to pick up our thanksgiving turkey.
Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I’m in awe. I wish you many more sightings.
Please let me know when your book is published!
Jane T.
Jane, how wonderful to meet you! Two of my three books are already published, and the third (which features foxes) is due to be released in April.
Most of the time, knowing where to look to find your subject is more than half the “battle”. 🙂
Thank you for reading. I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
Tamra, I had goosebumps, and tears as I was looking at these Gorgeous pictures of the Snowy Owl. You sure did capture it’s beauty. You have such a talent for wildlife. My twins still have your photos framed on their bureaus of the Eagles you had photographed. They were the center pieces for the head table at their Eagle Scout award ceremony. Keep on shooting, you are amazing. I’m proud to say I’ve known you since elementary school, neighbor.
Suzanne – you’re making me teary, and I’m so honored to know they used my photo for their Eagle Scout ceremony.
I just can’t find the right words to express how much your support means to me. Thanks for reading, Suzanne!
Beautiful shots! Beautiful bird! Maybe book five will have a snowy owl adventure…?
I wouldn’t rule it out! 🙂