Being an introvert snowy owl is nice but it can get lonely. Day and night I’m out in the winter cold all by myself. We snowy owls tend not to hang out with each other for reasons that escape me now. But we’ve always done it this way so there’s no reason to change.
Despite what appears like a monastic-type existence, I enjoy promoting myself and seeing my photos. If there were a social media site for snowy owls, I’d be all over it. So I do the next best thing – I search for photographers to take my photo, hoping to get noticed.
Most people think I’m either hunting or sleeping all day but it simply isn’t true – at least the hunting part. Finding mice is easy, finding photographers is difficult. But I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
One of the best places to get discovered is on poles along busy roadways but it’s still not easy. I’ll plant my white body on a dark pole and wait. Given all the passing vehicles, I’m sure there must be plenty of photographers who missed me. Sometimes I get bored and nap.
When I guess that a vehicle might contain a photographer, I’ll sometimes do a fly over in hopes that the movement will catch their eye. Then it’s back to the pole to wait. There’s no use standing in the snow since no one can see me with my camouflage and it’s a bit chilly on the talons.
When a photographer finally shows up, I try to strut my stuff. Last week I finally found a photographer. The guy took a few photos and seemed to like what he saw. With any luck I’ll make it on to Krahnpix. What a thrill that would be!
KerryCan says:
Fabulous photos but the writing adds so much to the post! My first time here–I like it all!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Glad you enjoyed the visit. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know.
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magschreiner says:
Gorgeous!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thx. It was a treat to find.
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wooclipmovie says:
interesting animals
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Lyle Krahn says:
They really are each has its own personality and tolerance for photographers which makes things interesting
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dda53 says:
That’s a real beauty! Perhaps one day I will be able to see one.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I hope you do. They are special creatures that continue to intrigue me.
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Phil Lanoue says:
Absolutely outstanding photos of these beauties! I can only dream…
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. Maybe one day they will get lost and end up at your marsh!
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hannele says:
With this kind of blog post, I’m tempted to just give you he name of my blog (alternative viewpoints) – you do seem to deserve it more than me! Nice way to tell a story; and stunning photos, as usual. Well done, both photographer and model!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. I have always liked your blog name and you wear it well. I think it’s something we all strive to achieve.
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Dalo 2013 says:
Incredible photos Lyle ~ the last one is such a great capture. Nothing like being able to return home with something great to show 🙂
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Lyle Krahn says:
That’s exactly right. It dramatically changes my perception of the trip when I return home.
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niasunset says:
So beautiful photographs dear Lyle, and what a lovely bird, I love them. Thank you, have a nice new week, Love, nia
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Lyle Krahn says:
They are wonderful birds and I was so fortunate to be there to get some shots. You have a great week too.
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Garden Walk Garden Talk says:
Cute post. They do sit on poles quite a bit, like at airports. Seeing them fly is a treat. Our birding group does not let the photographers disturb the birds into flight, and that means all we see is the owls sitting in the snow, usually at a long distance. You were fortunate to get the beautiful shots of flight.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I am fortunate indeed. They certainly have a lot of patience to sit on a pole and wait. They look so much more impressive in the air since their wings spread out so much.
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MJF Images says:
Awesome Lyle! And switching the viewpoint was such a good idea.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. It’s interesting what a different perspective can do.
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Steve Gingold says:
Great shots, Lyle.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks Steve.
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Gunta says:
You are so very accommodating! Such a patient owl to wait for you to come along with your camera.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I guess the key is someone has to be patient and that’s not one of my strengths!
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Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat says:
These are gorgeous. I’d love to see a snowy owl in the wild sometime.
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Lyle Krahn says:
They really are gorgeous creatures. I hope you get your chance.
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the Ordinary Hiker says:
Really nice photo op.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I sure enjoyed watching the snowy owl and was glad to connect on some of the photos.
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the Ordinary Hiker says:
I would consider that a dream opportunity 🙂
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Lavinia Ross says:
Striking photos of this snowy owl, and I love his viewpoint! You capture not only the image, but the spirit and personality of bird.
I have closeups of the nutria (as close as I can get) posted now so you can compare with your Melicia muskrat. According to the USGS world distribution map, apparently there are some nutria in Canada, over in Ontario in the Ottowa River watershed area.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. I like to think the snowy owl has lots of spirit and personality – not to mention good looks! That reminds me all over again why I like them.
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Ross Gardner says:
Very impressive shots.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I appreciate that.
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bcsongbird says:
Awesome pictures of this gorgeous bird. And the owl’s viewpoint was great too!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. I will be sure to let the owl know:)
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Hillechien says:
What a beautiful pictures of this majestic bird.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. I never tire at looking at snowy owls.
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Seenorway says:
What beautiful shots, Lyle! I think you ought to bring some breakfast to the table? A fat rat from your barn would be greatly appreciated!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. They do have a taste for food that is different than mine.
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Jeff Bell says:
Mr. Snowy Owl, you look great in these photos. I like your strategy to stand on poles on busy roads and to fly over cars. I am sure you will get noticed this way.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thank you Mr. Bell. It seems to have worked with one photographer but tomorrow’s another day.
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de Wets Wild says:
What a spectacular creature, and expertly photographed!
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Lyle Krahn says:
They are one of my favourites so it’s special to get some photos that turned out OK.
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de Wets Wild says:
Much, much more than OK!
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David says:
Great photos and story.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks.
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Alison says:
You certainly did capture that owl’s best side. What a beauty! He is lucky to have such a talented photographer find him. I hope all the “Likes” he racks up don’t go to his head!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Thanks. Funny thing is every one I’ve found is a beauty. Maybe I won’t tell her about all the likes – good word of advice.
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Melinda Kucsera says:
I really enjoyed your post. It’s so creative .
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Lyle Krahn says:
It’s good when the creativity lands somewhere that people enjoy. I appreciate the comment.
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BuntyMcC says:
Superb shots. I’ve never seen one.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I hope you get the chance they are majestic birds.
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Patrizia M. says:
Bellissime foto, il gufo è splendido. Bella l’idea di dare voce al gufo per parlare delle sue abitudini.
Saluti, Patrizia
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Lyle Krahn says:
La bellezza del gufo continua a stupire anche me! Sono contento che ti sia piaciuto la storia.
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Mike Powell says:
Wow. You definitely need to be hired as the Snowy Owl public relations spokesman and photographer. Most of us would be thrilled with the wonderful portrait on the post, but you really raised the bar with the perfect in-flight shots that show the wings to maximum effect (and with blue skies). Your snowy owl has rock star potential–I am glad he finally got your attention.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I hope I get the job! I think all the snowy owls have rock star potential. They continue to amaze me. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Scott Marshall says:
I saw an Owl on Hogmanay heading back from the Aurora shoot. It was on a fence post by the road as the car passed by – of course it immediately disappeared. Which got me thinking how many stuffed owls does Lyle have? And what must his overheads be in bendy wire :p
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Lyle Krahn says:
You would have to reveal all my secrets;) That’s great. I’m trying to imagine trying to manipulate the bendy wire.
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Scott Marshall says:
love laughing across the pond – to some poor humour inflicted rather recently – technology is pretty scary
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Lyle Krahn says:
Hard to beat a good laugh
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Scott Marshall says:
when was that taken Lyle as we have been getting all your weather since early December with only a handful of blue skies in the intervening period.
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Lyle Krahn says:
I took all those photos just a few days ago. Our winter here has been particularly mild which is good for a fair-weather shooter like me but not so good for you it turns out.
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Scott Marshall says:
We have been attacked by blandness – strong winds (8 big storm since December) flat dull uninspiring light etc etc. The crisp clear or mottled light we normally associate with winter as been few and far between. That said cant complain, as flooding which has been all around me – seems to pass us by. So we are being blessed.
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Lyle Krahn says:
Flooding is even worse than blandness. A lot worse. I’m sure you’ll find a way to make it good. Meanwhile another sunny day in Saskatchewan …
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Jody Rossel says:
Enjoyed reading your post. Owls are beautiful, majestic birds. Lovely photos!
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Lyle Krahn says:
Glad you enjoyed the post. It’s a good day when I get a chance to spend some time with snowy owls and get some photos.
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De bec et de plumes says:
Amazing bird !!!
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Lyle Krahn says:
It really is! What a joy to watch them them spread those big beautiful wings.
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