Last Sunday, I made an another amazing discovery when I took a short drive down to the shore of Lake Ontario. Normally I’m on the east side of the “channel” but that day I was on the west side where the sandy beach is covered with icy “dunes” created by the waves during this year’s very cold and windy winter.
I was actually looking for ducks to photograph or even the mink from the previous blog. There were many beautiful ducks in the channel including white-winged scoters, blue bills and golden eyes as well as the “usual suspects”. Then, as I glance down the beach, something caught my eye. To my naked eye, I saw something that at first appeared to be a piece of ice in some short frozen grass. But, when I looked through my telephoto lens, I couldn’t believe what was sitting on the icy beach! It was a snowy owl!
I had not seen one since I was 5 years old, living in Thunder Bay. I have been watching and hoping for years to see one of these magnificent creatures and looked enviously at photos taken by others.
I was able to circle around and approach the snowy from the west and actually moved in fairly close to take some photos before she flew away and landed on the ice beside the lighthouse. I was unaware, until she took flight, that she had her prey hidden underneath her. I’m so excited to be able to share a few of the photographs of what I believe is a female or perhaps a juvenile snowy owl.
Jane Walker's Cards 
Wow Jane these are stunning ! Love them. I hope you are doing well, Shirley
Thanks, Shirley. I spite of all this winter weather, I’ve seen some creatures that I’ve never seen before!
WOW!!!
That’s what I said too!
Jane, they are absolutely beautiful. The one with the lighthouse included is my favourite.
Thank you, Bonnie. I know you like landscapes/waterscapes so I’m not surprised that you like it best!
Fantastic day for you and fantastic photos!
It was a fantastic day and I was so surprised to see something I had hoped to catch sight of one day.
Thank you for sharing your discovery! Beautiful photos.
I’m happy to share them and felt so fortunate to have discovered this well camouflaged owl.
Absolutely magical Jane !!!
Truly outstanding !!
It is a magical creature. I felt so lucky to see it and to get some photos! Thanks.
Fantastic photography, my pen friend Nancy Coffee suggested I check your site. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for checking it out and especially for taking the time to respond.
Jane the pictures are so beautiful. I have never seen a snowy owl ,you are so lucky. The things one misses when they remain indoors out of the cold. Time for me to get some winter gear.
Well Linda, you wouldn’t think that we would need such warm clothes as we approach March. Living in your area, I believe you will see many beautiful birds and owls being close to Lake Ontario. Get some woolies!
unbelievable to see such a beautiful creature – perfectly photographed! How do do you stay warm?? – Carter
Staying warm…that is a problem! I bought a knee-length, polyester-filled coat with a big hood and also BC Clothing “snow pants”. I’m still working on keeping my feet and hands warm enough!n The snowy was an amazing sight which I feel blessed to have seen in the wild.
Oh wow Jane !!! These photos are amazingly beautiful, wow ! Now you won’t envy other photographers, and your shots are among the most beautiful snowy owls photos I’ve seen in a long time. I’ve read from the Audubon Society that this year is an exceptional year for viewing snowy owls and that we haven’t seen this in many many years in North America.
Jocelyn, I was in envy of other birders and photographers who have had opportunities to see these magnificent creatures. I was so surprised that this one, being in the wild, allowed me to get quite close. Maybe some day I will have another chance to see one.
As always your kind and encouraging comments are appreciated.
Priceless! The experience of witnessing their presence is special. Your captures are stunning!
It was such a surprise. No one had mentioned the chance of seeing a snowy in Newcastle and there she was! Thank you for your positive comment.