For several years I have been trying to make an image of a Snowy Owl. They are very fickle creatures, and every time a car slows down, window or door opens or I try to make my way through the deep snow in the ditches to capture the image the owl flies off into the distance, and I am left standing like a forgotten scarecrow in no-mans-land…
Yesterday I was presented with another chance. This time the owl was sitting closer to the road. My longest tele-photo lens was actually attached to my mirrorless camera AND it was resting in my lap… We spotted the owl on the opposite side of the road. A quick turn around on the highway and backtracking to the fence post I actually made eye contact and had just enough time to focus on “the star”. I made one image and before I knew it the owl spread his wings and flew off into the distance blending in with the snow patches on the fields.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
A wonderful and memorable experience and a fabulous shot. Last year while driving from Moose jaw back to Buffalo Pound, Grant and I spotted 3 Snowy Owls on power poles. We both had our cameras along and were able to get a few good shots. It was unforgettable.
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Oh, Jeannette – I am so envious of your experience. We see the Snowy Owls every time we drive in to Moose Jaw and a couple of times I was able to get a half-decent shot of one or the other, but I am always too far away, it seems and just when I move in for a better image the owl decides to drop off to the back of the pole and fly away. I don’t really consider myself a wild life photographer but I am always on the lookout for great photo opportunities…
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That’s the money shot!! The one! What a treat that must have been, thank you for sharing!!
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Well – not sure I would call it the money shot… it does not have enough detail of the feathers. I converted it to black and white to pull out more details – maybe next time!
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Fabulous Anna!
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Thanks Maria! I have to come back to Whitehorse for those ravens. I can’t forget the ravens circling above the cliff and river valley…
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Congratulations Anna, I would be excited too. It would have been lovely to see it in flight, next time.
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I have a number of images of flying owls, but the are moving so fast that they are difficult to focus on. And they always fly away from me… I plan to get a bettered for wildlife photography, but it will be a while till I can afford it
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Like your Quilts, it’s a prize-winning shot! Persistence pays off!
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Thanks, Nelly but I know that one lucky shot does not make a prize winner… Competition in SK is stiff when it comes to bird photography.
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That is a real treat to see your picture! My husband is impressed too.
BTW, I am in your classes at QBL, first session. Will be wonderful to see you again.
Linda Hazelden
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Linda, so good to hear from you! QBL will be here sooner than we think!
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He’s Beautiful Anna.What a great shot. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much, Carol! I feel so lucky I had the opportunity right at that moment.
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Were you able to get a shot of the owl in flight? Great shot of the owl.
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I missed it flying away, it’s difficult to handle the long lens and refocus!
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Oh Anna, she is looking right at you and with a Mona Lisa expression is saying “Anna, I am doing this just for you”. Thank you for sharing your gift. It is a gift to me too as owls and I have a lifetime connection.
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I am so excited to have had this opportunity! I am still smiling!
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