Urban wildlife is always a refreshing site, although sometimes a sad one as well as you know these animals are struggling for habitat day in and day out. But today I was fortunate enough to see my first snowy owl in the wild. Strangely enough, it was in a typical suburban shopping mall plaza, with no shortage of sightings reports about it on through mailing lists. It was also probably a bit strange to also see a dozen people or so staring into an apparent empty field on the edge of a Target parking lot, obvious by the number of questions posed by passers by. This owl was certainly comfortable in its environment, and watchers gave it ample room. Conditions to get really good shots today were difficult, but I was more than pleased just to be watching such a gorgeous bird so close to home.
That’s fantastic, Mark. He blends in so well with the background. I’d love to see one of these, but I am fortunate to have quite a few red-tail hawks around my neighborhood! 🙂
My Lord Mark that’s an awesome story. I would love to spend some time with snowys!
It would be incredible to see this creature next to Target. Incredible and not… For some reason, here in Northern CA area, hawks have become abundant and one sees them in the most odd places as well. Perhaps all creatures (including humans) adapt to what is readily available in their environment. Thanks for the photo, Mark. I’d love to see one no matter where it was!