Snowy Owls in Michigan
Posted on 12th February 2016
Searching for Snowy Owls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is always a gamble with the weather especially in February. This occasion was no different.
We had freezing temperatures, high winds and horrible dark days. between snow drifting,falling and the dark clouds, it was hard to pick out the bird from the backgound.
However on our last day we had a break and some sun penetrated the gloom to make images possible. You can plan for everything other than the weather and just hope for the best.
We based ourselves in Rudyard, at the Northern Country Inn on M48 business spur (906-478-5150), which put us in the heart of snowy owl territory. An excellent place to stay if you are hunting snowys.
In fact we only had to look out the window each day to spot snowy owls. The Inn is close to Centerline rd, 18 mile, 19 mile, all great places to spot snowys.
Gear ranged from 300mm to 500mm with a converter, warm coats and mittens.
Some of the owls allowed a close approach,within 50 feet and others were up to 300 feet away, hence the range of glass.
This one allowed me within 50 feet.
Not sure if this owl was cross eyed, or just looking down his beak at me.
He or she was hunkered down behind a bale of hay to try and keep out of the wind.
An example of the 300 foot bird as it took off.
They range in coloring is from lots of spots to practically none as can be seen below
The shot above was taken on one of the worst days.
You have about another six weeks to see them before they return north to the tundra.
Happy hunting