A very uncommon sight this far South.
Due to a change in their normal Northern Habitat, a number of young Snowy Owls migrated South last Winter in search of food. I don't know of any other time that Snowy Owls could be found in Missouri. Although usually elusive and not often seen while in Missouri, their unusual presence in the state made the local news for weeks.

I feel very fortunate to have gotten a series of photos of 3 different Snowy Owls in Northwest Missouri.
On this particular day, I had to carry Big Bertha and her tripod (plus another DSLR) over 2 miles in order to get my shots. What a work out!!! But well worth the effort.

Sadly, the Snowy Owl story did not end on a positive note. Those Snowy Owls that came South to find food died before the Winter was over. They starved to death.
This photo is a tribute to those lost wild souls.