My wife and I visited Boundary Bay (and Reifel) on Sunday. We wanted to see
Snowy Owls. It turns out the best show was put on by Short-eared Owls. From
one spot we could see 8-10 in action with bare eyes. Quite a crowd of people
gathered to watch a couple of the close SEOWs that were in the electrical
fenced off area right off the trail at the 72nd street access. One SEOW even
flew and perched very close to the crowd. Here are links to a few pictures
that turned out well.



Perched "Barking"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/8226623114/in/photostream/



Head on stare

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/8225551051/in/photostream/



Flyby

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/8225548585/in/photostream/



Video of "Barking"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/8226639386/in/photostream



We also did see 1 Snowy Owl. It was way out toward the water. I suspect
there were more around that were just not easily visible. I think 12 were
reported within the last 10 days. There were hunters in that area and while
I was watching the Snowy Owl a gun shot went off and the Owl made a abrupt
full body flinch. I wonder if the hunting might encourage them over time to
move away from the water line closer to the path like last winter.



Here's one shot of a Snow that was on a majestic perch. I walked a ways out
on the marsh area and took this from 96 yards (according to my camera).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seattlebirdman/8219261365/in/photostream/



Best regards,

Doug Schurman

NE Seattle