Before dusk on Sunday, a friend and I drove out in the country –just to get away and see what birds might be lurking. Alas! My first Snowy Owl. He was sitting on top of a power line pole, calmly scanning the ground for prey. I did not have my camera so the one below is not mine. He looked just like this, though:

The Snowy is huge, bigger than it looks in the photo. Here is a photo of one swooping down on something good to eat.

Look at those furry legs! The wingspan!

Next, we approached a stand of trees and a startled Great Horned Owl flew off. They are not usually active during the day so that was a lucky moment. The wingspan was immense and wide–the bird huge. I was not certain then if it was a Great Horned Owl, but the width of the wings and coloring in the photo below confirmed my suscpicion. Confusing a Great Horned Owl with something else is not possible–not like confusing the types of sparrows. I also heard some Great Horned Owls a few nights ago, north of town.

One more bird note: I learned that locals call the Great Blue Heron a Shy Poke.

We continued to drive, out to a beautiful lake. Access is along the section line dirt road. Apparently, the public can drive on those roads for public access to a lake. This is new to me and good news. Fog had settled in  so it was beautiful and even errie. However, I could see lots of trees, a few campfire spots and level open spaces for Half Moon. Since the lake only has a few northern pike, few locals head out there. Other lakes closer to town have walleye and other delicacies that fishermen want.

What great Christmas presents–two owls and a camping spot for the future. I have that Christmas happy feeling!

Doin the Snoopy happy dance