Strange topic for a post? Yes, absolutely. However … very much appropriate.

While out in Seattle over Thanksgiving to visit my youngest son and daughter-in-law, I obviously picked up my first ever Covid-19 infection. Although I am fully boosted, and wore a mask while on both plane rides, ultimately it did not make a difference.

Today I am willing to be out of bed, and thus I am working upon adding two more required pages to my book, Snowy’s Search for Color. I have narrowed down my ideas and images. I will start with this photograph. The good news is the edits will bring “Snowy’s Search for Color” back for its third printing (out of print right now)! As always you will be able to download a PDF of this book w/o charge when it is republished.

Three winters ago I took took this photo when the “stars aligned” (or the moon and the Snowy Owl). The owl was out in the open catching the faint red light leftover from the sunset, but also aligned with the crescent moon.

Posts may be infrequent as my strength comes and goes, but my doctor says if I am feeling good … birding is okay. I just have to keep to myself, which is not a too difficult requirement in the Northland.

After six days of severe cold (well below zero) and high winds, the weather moderated. Although it was supposed to be cloudy yesterday afternoon, life was good and the skies cleared. I went looking for Snowy Owls. Right before sunset I found an owl on a HUGE snow pile. The sunset was magical. The Snowy actually flew right by me at eye level only five yards away when it took off for the evening hunt. As it passed my spot, it glanced over at me and then disappeared over a small hill. Wow! It was a Snowy Owl treat I will always remember.

Pre-Sunset … from an oblique angle to the sun

Post-Sunset … directly in line with the sun beneath the horizon (you can actually see the owl kicking up some snow as it lifts off)