Last week I posted a photo of a Merlin that I took after missing my first Snowy Owl of the season by a few minutes, lamenting my luck. I was hopeful I would be able to pick one up again soon considering the major Snowy flight south that is occurring now. Thankfully today I spent a few hours capturing the beauty of this bird!
For the most part this time was filled with chatting with friends while observing it snoozing away. A few times the very calm bird (planes, diving gulls, unintentionally close beachgoers – no problem) did a bit of preening, and most of the eyes open shots came then. It eventually flew a few feet to reposition itself in the late afternoon, and then moved down the jetty later as the tide went out. In the background of one photo you can see the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson ferry crossing Long Island Sound. Everyone – birders, photographers, fishermen, dog walkers, and other visitors – were very respectful and enjoyed the bird from a safe distance. If you have not seen one yet, you probably will have your chance soon! Good luck.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
