Before the plunge

This was the first Great Gray Owl that I came across five days ago, on 28 March 2013, NW of Calgary. Caught it in beautiful light, which was a real treat. After much watching and listening, this beautiful owl finally decided to "go for it", plunging into the snow-covered ground closer than I was expecting. I don't think it was successful, though. I was very lucky that day, seeing another close owl, and then, later, two much more distant owls. I was NW of Calgary again yesterday, but saw just one very distant Great Gray Owl, hunting in an enormous meadow. Not the best for photos, but it was interesting to watch several attempts made for rodents.

"In some areas it is also called Phantom of the north, Cinereous Owl, Spectral Owl, Lapland Owl, Spruce Owl, Bearded Owl, and Sooty Owl." Wikipedia.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Grey_Owl

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Gray_Owl/id

We had snow overnight, but it has mostly disappeared already, I'm happy to say. However, there is a Storm Watch in effect. Up to 15 cm of snow forecast for Edmonton, I see. Looks like we are going to escape this here in Calgary.