Would I See A Snowy Owl This Morning?

I headed out to an east side gate somewhat  early this morning. I have been looking forward to a long snowshoe trek.  This should be a good morning for it.The sun's first rays touching Soapstone Hill was nice. My plan was to snowshoe from the east branch of Fever Brook to Graves Landing and hopefully put on enough miles to beat my previous  snowshoe milestone of five miles

That is Soapstone Hill on the left.
The snow was perfect with several inches in the wind swept coves to five or six along the shoreline.

The sun was EXTREMLEY bright. Yep ! I forgot my glasses in the truck.

I made it to Graves Landing. Perfect spot to have my morning snack. The hike back was somewhat easier using the same trail. I was pleased when I looked at my GPS.

Yes , I did see one snowy owl gliding along a distant shoreline

Jim

Three Firsts in One Day

It was foggy and dismal passing the yellow gate this morning at dawn. I couldn’t imagine three first time events happening this morning, especially after the exciting day yesterday with seeing a moose and many beds.  Hiking this morning was quiet with the soft snow and temperatures in the low forties. The hike towards the west branch of Fever Brook revealed moose, deer, bobcat, porcupine, raccoon and bears tracks. Yes ,bear tracks, a small single bear waked the shoreline heading north along the reservoir. This is my first account of seeing bear tracks in the snow in the middle of winter.

I decided to hike the shoreline back to the truck.  Rounding the first cove I picked up a vertical white object in a birch tree about seventy five yards down the shoreline. Looking through my zoom lens I could see it was a snowy owl.

NOW, could I stalk close enough for a reasonable picture? As I closed the gap, you could see blood stains on the owls face. Excitement on my part would be an understatement!  

On the return hike back, I noticed something that appeared odd sitting vertical on a branch off in the distance trees. Slowing down to check it out, showed this barred owl watching me from a distance. 

This is the first time I have had the opportunity take two pictures of owls in one morning.

 Jim