Subject: [Tweeters] Snowy Owls at Ocean Shores / Caryn / Wedgwood
Date: Mar 18 17:47:24 2012
From: Caryn Schutzler - bluedarner1 at seanet.com


Well, I finally couldn't stand it any longer - thinking that the owls could soon be leaving...

My husband and I ventured down to Ocean Shores yesterday, "March 17th" - arriving at around 6 pm and headed straight to Damon Point. We asked as we started of those returning - are they still out there? Two people we talked with said they had seen five. We were hopeful.

Long story short - "luckily" we were promptly rewarded with dusk fast approaching. We had walked/scurried about 1/4-1/2 mile when my husband
spotted a "large, light-colored" bird flying in front of us and landed in a scrubby tree about 35-40 yards away. Since my hip and leg ached and the light was fading
we felt extremely "lucky" having one seemingly land right in front of us as if flying directly to us to keep us from walking any further. Then a second
came in a bit further away. We had a nice spot behind some shrubs to try to take a some photos but it was getting a bit dark so started to head back. (I did get one or two - for "proof" I really saw them...)

As we walked back a third owl flew past and ahead of us landing on a log - we tried to side step as we approached. It was getting very dark - I think his/her vision
was better than ours and it flew down the beach again - that was just wonderful to see the long, low flight, skimming the beach. I think they all must have been
looking for dinner - like we were.

The next morning, to our delight, a dusting of snow - a reminder of our visit to see the Snowy Owls - before their return to the Arctic. (or wherever they flew in from...)

The luck of the Irish was certainly with us! And Spring is nearly here!

(Paul - I'd only wish I'd had your photography class prior to this visit!!!)

PS. We did see 5 Bald Eagles and several other birds too which we always love to see. Only the Snowy was a life bird for us and a great anniversary gift.