Not sure about that right eye . . .
. . . When we were out in the field shooting this male Snowy Owl, one of the photographers I was with suggested that this owl's right eye was damaged and partly closed due to an injury.
After looking at it more, I decided it might be the bird's third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. According to National Geographic:
"This translucent eyelid moves horizontally across the eye, from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. The nictitating membrane is especially useful when an owl is catching prey—the owl can see still see even while keeping its eyes safe from injury."
Have a great weekend Facebook, Flickr, and 500px friends!
Not sure about that right eye . . .
. . . When we were out in the field shooting this male Snowy Owl, one of the photographers I was with suggested that this owl's right eye was damaged and partly closed due to an injury.
After looking at it more, I decided it might be the bird's third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. According to National Geographic:
"This translucent eyelid moves horizontally across the eye, from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner. The nictitating membrane is especially useful when an owl is catching prey—the owl can see still see even while keeping its eyes safe from injury."
Have a great weekend Facebook, Flickr, and 500px friends!