With the rapidly melting snow and immanent departure of these majestic birds for their natural habitat in the north, my Snowy Owl season for 2015-2016 has unfortunately come to an end. This doesn't mean, though, that I won't post new photos - there are many many more in my collection not yet published :- )

I will miss passing quality time with this, my favourite of all species.

Thanks to good friends who helped me find the birds in secret locations and who understand my need to be alone with them, Regretfully, the same cannot be said for many photographers who practically stalk you to disturb the peace, tranquility and trust established with individual birds - such is the nature of bird photography.

All-in-all despite some bumps in the road, it has been a very good season. New individual birds found, several returning birds from previous years were also located (identified by individual physical features).

It is getting harder and harder for me to carry on with my Snowy pursuit. My bad knees and other new bodily aches and pains are slowing me down, not to mention age. I have already greatly reduced by photo sessions with other species throughout the rest of the year. I suspect I'll have to reduce my Snowy activities next year also. New interesting pursuits and interests are replacing the time spent photographing birds.

As for this photo, an early morning light nicely illuminates this Snowy and guarantees wide open eyes, contrary to mid-day when heavy shadows obscure them and the bright light forces the Snowys to keep their eyes squinted.

Canon 5d Mark III with my 500L f4 lens handheld @ 1/1000, f5.6, ISO 400, + 1/2 exposure compensation. Slight crop to bring the bird leftwards towards the centre, he was leaving my frame to the right which caused a slight clip of the wing - no big deal. Some unnatural white reflection spots in the snow removed.

Cheers,

Mike