Such a treat

I would never have seen this magnificent Snowy Owl if friends, Dorothy and Stephen, hadn't invited me to go with them on a spur-of-the-moment drive east of the city yesterday. So, thanks to them, I got the chance to take photos of this female (or juvenile) and three other Snowies that we found. The first Owl was perched on an electricity power line, way down the road and unfortunately was mobbed by a whole flock of small birds (Snow Buntings or Common Redpolls) making it fly way off across a field. The second one was so far away, sitting on the ground in a huge field that was a mix of snow and golden stubble. I just happened to notice the tiniest white speck - probably not far off a kilometre away?) - with my naked eyes. We pulled over and, sure enough, it was a Snowy. I might post a photo I took, using 48 times zoom and then heavily cropped, to give an idea, for those who have never been on a Snowy Owl search, just how difficult these birds can be to find : ) The owl in my photo above was the third owl we saw - perched on the usual, ugly, electricity pole. Apart from maybe two or three quick turns of the head in our direction, it sat for the whole time with the back of its head towards us, ha. The fourth owl, seen on our way back home, must have been a young one, as it was so curious about us. It just had a young look to it and really was quite cute to watch. Though these Snowy Owls were simply amazing to see, as always, I was already on a natural high from seeing a few flocks of beautiful Snow Buntings and Common Redpolls, that were flying over the fields and landing briefly on and around the barbed-wire fence near the road. Both are such beautiful birds. Thanks so much, you guys, for this wonderful time!