A Snowy Owl was found on the Milwaukee lakefront this morning. It had caught an American Coot for something to eat and was sitting on that during the picture taking. The bird never moved from the spot while I was present. First one of the fall season reported in the area that I know of. It was a cold morning with stiff winds and little sun to warm up with. Images were taken on October 31, 2017.
Snowy Owl with the American Coot
Snowy Owl
Binomial name: Bubo scandiacus
Category: Typical Owls
Description: Adult males are mostly white with a few dark feather tips. Adult females and juveniles are white with dark scalloping on chest, back, wings, and tail. Yellow eyes, black beak, and feathery feet.
Size: 20”- 28” long, 49” – 59” wingspan
Weight: 3.5 lb. – 6.6 lb.
Habitat: Wide open, treeless spaces such as shorelines, lakes, open fields, and agricultural sites.
Just looking around, this bird seemed content just sitting there. Probably resting from a long flight…
The back view…
Congrats on seeing a snowy owl!
Beautiful, as always! Perfect timing….so much a part of successful birding seems to be being in the right spot, at the right moment!
There’s already been snow in the state, so the snowy owls are here too. Great pictures! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing.
Great capture, Jim!
Lots of lemmings seen in Manitoba late summer this year. Perhaps a precursor to another large Eruption year?
OMG….lucky you. So glad we will be able to see them again this winter and always a thrill to watch one , no matter how often!!!! Thanks for announcing the arrival.
Awesome. Good to know we will have the privilege of seeing them around here again this year. Beautiful bird.
Yes, thanks for sharing! (Let the winter games begin.)
Wonderful images Jim. Glad to hear they are back!
Amazing! I hope I get to see one this year….as always, your photos are stunning!