First Snowy Owl of 2024

Snowy Owls have been slow to wander south this year. Perhaps it’s been warm enough in the tundra, or maybe their food sources lasted a little longer than expected? One was spotted on January 7th on the Canatara beach.

When first discovered, it was being harassed by 2 American Crows. The circular tracks in the photo were made by the crows. The Snowy Owl sat in the middle, swiveling its head and moving slightly to make the oblong shape in the upper centre of the photo. Owls can turn their heads approximately 270 degrees.

By the time this photo was taken, human foot prints had passed through the area. The foot imprint gives an idea of how much space the Snowy Owl took up on the sand.

Snowy Owl tracks walking along the sand after fleeing the noisy crows. Seeing an owl walking was an unusual first!

Snowy Owl and American Crow stare down!

Lookout post!