Unprecedented numbers of Snowy Owls have taken up residence in the mid-Atlantic region this winter. Maybe you’ve read about this phenomenon….or seen TV clips. Whether it is a scarce supply of Arctic food (lemmings) sending them south in search of mice and voles, or the more recent explanation that the Canadian population is actually burgeoning due to a hugely successful summer breeding season, the result is the same. These amazing creatures are HERE and it is tremendously exciting!
Three of these beauties were found yesterday in Lancaster County, Pa….an hour from home. It didn’t take me long to rationalize ditching my errands this morning and driving west on I-76. While happily tailgating a slow-moving horse and buggy along a road which bisected a vast expanse of corn fields, I saw a large white distant blob to my left. I turned into the next driveway signposted “Weaver’s chicken farm” and put the binoculars up. It was a Snowy alright. But I wanted a closer look…even better…a printable photo.
At that moment I noticed the property owner looking at me from his front porch. Since I was already trespassing, I braced myself for a negative encounter. Quite the contrary. “Are you looking for the Great White Owl?”, he asked in a cheery, inquisitive tone. I had his blessing to venture into the field and soon enough I was lying on my stomach on wet corn stubble, attempting to capture a printable image of this gorgeous juvenile male. 
After clicking off three dozen or more shots, I sensed company. I looked up and three generations of Weaver family (I counted twelve humans) were standing behind me, patiently waiting for me to offer them a look at the bird through my binoculars. For a moment I thought I was a character in the 1980’s movie “Witness”.
An hour later I was stuck in traffic near the King of Prussia Mall. But that didn’t bother me. It gave me an opportunity to scan the retail store rooftops….you never know where “the Great White Owl” may appear!
birdtalesblog 
This brings back a great memory, George. When I was in college, the word went out that a Great White Owl was camping out in the sand dunes west of Tillamook, Oregon. I wasn’t even a casual birder then, but joined a friends who headed out to see the bird. He was there, waiting for us!
Great to read you Professor! Happy 2014!
George, you have captured an incredibly heart warming character in your photo of this wise looking owl … Could be my favourite of the blog to date!
Yay!!!xxx
Great story George! Keep it up – best, Zies
Sent from my iPhone
Why didn’t you take me with you! Mom
Mom, you and I are headed back there tomorrow! Want even better photo!!
George, So cool. Your photos are always amazing. You are lucky the Weavers don’t shoot first and ask questions later! Mike
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 19, 2014, at 12:20 AM, birdtalesblog wrote:
WordPress.com George C. Wood posted: ” Unprecedented numbers of Snowy Owls have taken up residence in the mid-Atlantic region this winter. Maybe you’ve read about this phenomenon….or seen TV clips. Whether it is a scarce supply of Arctic food (lemmings) sending them south in search of mice “
It did occur to me that just because I love birds…..doesn’t mean others do!! Thks for reading Mike.
Fantastic!!
Arlin S. Green Centura Capital agreen@centuracap.com (610) 574-5215
WTF are you doing up at 5am on a Sunday??? soliciting classmates???Drew
I sent it at 1am! Couldn’t sleep….too exciting
George! That is so cool. I want to see one. Beautiful!
Sent from my iPhone
Deborah E. Glass 610-999-6031 (c)
>
Great bird. Great day, George. Many more in 2014.
An AWESOME bird !!!
GW – NICE! – Great White Owl – a most aptly named bird – great pic. Cheers…JLC
A passionate birder with a pretty fair camera lens, too. You’ve become quite the story teller, as well, Woody! (A book, and not just annotations of your photos, is DEFINITELY in order.)
I am loving the blog George and am rationing the older entries since I find them very entertaining. Your photos are amazing. Great seeing you last weekend. “Herbie”
Thanks Herbie! Wonderful having you as a Studio member! Stay in touch……