Syracuse, NY
Topic: Pets & Animals

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Taking to flight.

SNOWY OWLS SIGHTED IN OUR AREA

By: george13090Subscribe Tuesday, Feb 10 , 09 at 4:22 PM
12 Comments

During January and Feburary we have visitors from the land far north of here, the Snowy Owl. Most of the year they inhabit Canada and the Tundra are of North America, but their wintering area is right here in Central New York. They seem to enjoy the balmy zero degree temperatures that we can't stand.
These Owls prey upon mostly mice but will take any animal up to the size of a rabbit. Only weighing up to 3 pounds they spory a wing span of nearly 5 feet. They live for about 9 years and produce 2-5 young a year, nesting mainly on the ground. Females have some dark markings while the males are pure white, making this owl a female.
So if you happen to see one of our visitors from the great white north, consider yourself lucky and enjoy this rare sight.
George Adams of Liverpool.

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LIMOSCENE says ... on Tuesday, Mar 17 at 4:23 PM

GREAT SHOTS GEORGE I JUST PURCHASED A CANON 40D AND GETTING USED TO IT... LARRY... A UNITED AUTO WORKER

Amanda Waite says ... on Saturday, Feb 14 at 6:35 PM

Great shot George! Just wanted to let you know that my is going to be 3 yrs old this year. I forwarded it to Peter Nye, Biologist endangered species Unit, NYSDEC. He says it will be 3 this spring. I have only seen one Snow Owl around here.

george13090 says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 8:27 PM

I find photography one of those hobbies that no matter what you skill level is, there is always something new to learn. Indoor can be come fairly quick, but outdoors is where all of the action is. Set to "A" priority and play with depth of field.

rheawiz says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 7:56 PM

congrats. and thanks for the tips, i appreciate it

Georg13090 says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 3:42 PM

Thank you... all three shots recieved a 9.9 out of 10 on Wunder Photos weather related website. Check out these and my others or just see and learn what from great photos around the world. My handle is GeorgeinSyracuse, just type it into their search

Cathy says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 12:02 PM

BEAUTIFUL JOB GEORGE

george13090 says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 7:55 AM

The 70-200MM is decent as it a Vibration Reduction mode, but for longer wildlife shots, a lens in the 80 to 400MM range on a tripod would in most cases be better. I also try to stay with the same brand as the camera and they are pricey. Check Ebay.

george13090 says ... on Thursday, Feb 12 at 7:44 AM

I currently use a Nikon D300 professional camera with a 70-200MM F-2.8 lens. Being that it was a cloudy grey day there was little I could do to gaurantee a great shot. I set the WB for the color of the day, center focal, ap. 4-5, ISO 100, at 500 sh.

Blondenh says ... on Wednesday, Feb 11 at 4:51 PM

Excellent shot of the owl with its wings outstretched! Do you have a telephoto lens and what settings did you use?

George13090 says ... on Wednesday, Feb 11 at 9:59 AM

It takes some work, a good subject or something unusual seen in a way that only a camera can catch and most important a little luck never hurts too. Gaining the trust of the animals takes some time also, so a Zoo may be a good place to start.

George13090 says ... on Wednesday, Feb 11 at 6:55 AM

Its a lot of work and a bit of luck. the hardest challenge is to keep your camera focused when an animal is approaching fast.

rheawiz says ... on Tuesday, Feb 10 at 5:29 PM

Great captures George! I dream of getting shots like these.

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