DAY 24

NATURE & LANDSCAPES

Birds of Prey

THE SNOWY OWL

Some birds of prey, such as snowy owls, can frequently be seen in northern climes perched on a utility pole, aware of everything that moves. A native of the Arctic, the owl prefers open vistas, making country roads alongside farm fields a perfect spot to look for this fascinating creature. Although they are sometimes skittish, a snowy owl will often remain on its perch and allow a cautious photographer to approach the pole.

Snowy owls are large, measuring up to two feet from wing tip to wing tip. They rarely let someone get too close, making a telephoto lens mandatory. Shoot at the highest shutter speed conditions will allow in order to capture detail in the feathers, eyes and beak—and be happy you’re not a mouse. —WTD