Disclaimer: I am not a wildlife photographer and although I love it – particularly the birds – I don’t have the proper lens to capture images the way they should be captured. That said, I am obsessed with the arrival of so many Snowy Owls this year out on Plum Island. Last count was twenty which is unprecedented. A year or two ago not one showed up from the Arctic. So for owl lovers like myself this is a dream. I have been out several times since their celebrated arrival to try and spot them but today was incredible. It was like a Snowy Owl zoo. The first part of the afternoon I spotted two very far off in the dunes from the boardwalks and then another in the marsh who was quite active flying to and fro. But it was at sunset that the real display unfolded as I was attempting to leave for the day. I watched one fly up from the river and land on one of the bridge posts. That one then flew off towards the residential area of the island and at the same time I watched two more fly back over to the marsh with one landing on a rock nearby. It then flew up on to a widow’s walk and right over head. Amazing. I spent about three hours out there in total and find that despite the frigid temps and relentless winds, roaming around with my binoculars and camera bring such peace to my soul. I have said this before and will again – Plum Island is one of the most special places on the planet and I am so grateful to live so nearby and be able to frequent it so often. Next up: KLP Adventures in South America with an emphasis on both the Chilean and Argentinian sides of Patagonia. To follow my travels, become a fan of Kiki Larouge Photography on Facebook where I will be posting regularly throughout my six week sojourn.
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’” ~ Sylvia Plath
“Our task must be to free ourselves –
by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”
This blog post is dedicated to two of my favorite people in this world: Susie and Ruthie. What a treat it was to be out shooting and bird watching today and seeing you both on the island too! xx
©Kerry Hook of Kiki Larouge Photography. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
Please “Like” and “Share” if you do.
Timeline 12/27/13
