Snowy Owls
Snowy Owl
By: Pat Coate
As we all shiveringly know there has been an amazing influx of frigid Arctic air this winter, reluctantly causing us to add the phrase “Polar Vortex” to our vocabulary. But, thankfully, the Arctic region has provided us with more than just frigid temps this winter – it has also provided us an influx (or more appropriately an irruption) of one of its stunning birds of prey – Snowy Owls.
Snowy Owl
An interesting article detailing the irruption of the Snowy Owls can be found here:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/gotsnowies2013/
Snowy Owl
These pictures were taken over the past couple weeks in northwest Cattaraugus County. There are at least two snowy owls prowling the large open fields and gravel pits in the area. I’ve seen them circling in the sky as well as perched on utility poles, hay bales, fence posts and the ground. Normally snowy owls feed on lemmings, but they must be finding enough mice and voles to sustain themselves in our area.
Snowy Owl in flight
Snowy Owl
Love those yellow eyes!
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Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Pat, have seen these birds over at the gravel pits. Stunning Photos!!
6 February 2014 at 2:15 pm