We’ve had an uncommon treat on the Olympic Peninsula lately: snowy owl sightings. According to the Peninsula Daily News and the Dungeness River Audubon Center, snowy owls migrate from the Arctic to Washington state every three to seven years. This is the result of a good feeding year in which many young owls survive to migrate south in search of food. Click the link above for more information from Wikipedia.
The first of these owls were sighted at the Dungeness Spit. These spectacular shots were taken by our friend Miriam and her daughter Tami last month during a stay at the New Dungeness Light Station. They were gracious enough to share them with Sequim Daily Photo.
Snowy owls have a wingspan up to 52 inches and look quite large but an adult weighs only about 4 pounds. The size/weight illusion is due to lots of feathers and hollow bones.
Unlike more familiar owls, snowy owls will hunt in daylight. We saw a snowy on the wing during walks in the Dungeness Recreation Area on both Friday and Saturday at dusk. Their large wingspan and bright white feathers make them readily identifiable — and an exciting sight. Owl sightings are a rare treat for daytime walkers.
This was a long, slow yawn that Tami caught. “I’m so bored with all these paparazzi!” Tami’s two shots are the close-ups; Miriam took the two shots of the owl on its perch. I’m so grateful for their willingness to share!
You may have noticed the scaffolding on the lighthouse above. It was used during replacement of the vent ball at the top of the lighthouse in December. A new 200-pound specially cast brass ball was purchased by the New Dungeness Lighthouse Association and hoisted to its spot in the peak of the tower by members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
SUPERB IMAGES OF A UNIQUE MODEL!:)
Those are great pics!
Magnificent! I have nerver had the pleasure of seeing a Snowy Owl outside of a zoo. Thanks for sharing.
What a GREAT post today, Kay, with wonderful information and spectacular photos! Can’t imagine how thrilling it must have been to see and photograph these glorious creatures! Thank your friend a million times for being your guest photographer!
Oh! My! How majestic and beautiful.
Special indeed! Your friend has taken some great shots. I have yet to see one myself.
Love this series of shots! Why don’t you come enter it in my Weekly Top Shot meme? We’re on Week #11 and I’d love to see you share with me! Here’s this weeks’ link: http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=5812
wow, amazing!
especially the last one, very funny!! did she have a mega-zoom, or did they allow her to come quite close? anyways, really beautiful..
This is fantastic! Many thanks to your friends for sharing!
Beautiful photos, the 1st is fantastic!!
Very special indeed! These are beautiful. We’ve been out there several times, hoping to spot one and haven’t yet.
Just stunning photos of the Snowy Owl!! Please thank your friend for sharing.
They are magnificent birds.