Funny thing about Snowy Owls: When I get out a big heavy lens on its big heavy tripod and put on my big fluffy winter clothes with my big-treaded climbing boots and go huffing up some small trail on a big windy mountain where several Snowies have been reported … I hardly ever see one.
However, I can be in my car at Trenton (Maine) airport; notice a deformed power line pole; then, notice that the pole really isn’t deformed; then, nearly kill myself getting camera equipment out of the back of the car and put together, while audibly praying that the big white bird atop the pole will act the way it should and not fly away.
That’s what happened here – several years ago in February – when this apparent female or juvenile Owl went back to sleep after determining I was going to stay at a safe distance. I’m still trying for a 2021 Snowy.
Snowies usually hunt at night and rest during the day. When resting, they don’t move much to avoid being noticed, especially by a Bald Eagle, which probably won’t stay at a safe distance.
They come from Arctic areas where there often are no trees to perch on, so they tend not to differentiate a power pole, roof, or large rock, so long as it gives them a panoramic view. Many of the young ones probably have never seen a human until they get to the right latitudes; so, they may let people get too close for the Owls’ own good. Give them plenty of room. (Brooklin, Maine)