Snowy in Washington
I try to get out to the Waterville Plateau at least once during the winter and this is why. Snowy owls occasionally stop by.
This is the closest I've ever gotten to one, which is the result of about 10% skill, 10% perseverance, and 80% luck.
I saw this one sitting a few hundred yards away in a field, and before I could even stop to take a distant shot, it flew off. Based on the direction it was flying, I made an estimate on Google maps where I thought it might have gone.
Then I took about a 10 minute drive, crisscrossing my way along the bumpy dirt roads until I reached my destination. It was right where I hoped it would be, and only about 50 (maybe 75) yards off the road.
Tip for cold-weather photography from a vehicle (it was around 33 degrees): You either need to leave the vehicle, or at least turn off the engine. The warmth emanating from the motor and the interior can create some heatwaves that can cause issues with focus.
I stayed in my car (with motor off) and the owl gave me a good 5 minutes to take pictures until it finally got sick of me and flew off.
Snowy in Washington
I try to get out to the Waterville Plateau at least once during the winter and this is why. Snowy owls occasionally stop by.
This is the closest I've ever gotten to one, which is the result of about 10% skill, 10% perseverance, and 80% luck.
I saw this one sitting a few hundred yards away in a field, and before I could even stop to take a distant shot, it flew off. Based on the direction it was flying, I made an estimate on Google maps where I thought it might have gone.
Then I took about a 10 minute drive, crisscrossing my way along the bumpy dirt roads until I reached my destination. It was right where I hoped it would be, and only about 50 (maybe 75) yards off the road.
Tip for cold-weather photography from a vehicle (it was around 33 degrees): You either need to leave the vehicle, or at least turn off the engine. The warmth emanating from the motor and the interior can create some heatwaves that can cause issues with focus.
I stayed in my car (with motor off) and the owl gave me a good 5 minutes to take pictures until it finally got sick of me and flew off.