Responsible Nearness
Don't crowd Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus)
I enjoy bringing birds near with binoculars or a telephoto lens.
Some birds let you get close. Others, like Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus), need space.
If you’re worried you’re too close to a bird, you probably are. If given the gift of nearness without harm, as I was with those below, cherish it.
Snowy Owls are not always easy to find. Scarcity and beauty equals value.
I didn’t see a Snowy Owl last year; this year I wanted to. They’re frequently seen at a spot I like to bird—so frequently they’re “suffering from a bit too much attention.”
When I started writing this, I hadn’t seen one this year. Now, I’ve seen two. Finding a Snowy Owl is often more about finding photographers who’ve found one rather than finding a bird. I ran into a photographer at an overlook. “Here for the Snowy?”
There was another owl nearby: a group of pulled-over cars and a gaggle of roadside photographers—typical Snowy scene. I pulled over and joined the group, but didn’t linger after getting shots.
Another time I found a Snowy, no crowd, it was so far I didn’t try for photos. I looked through binoculars in morning light for a distant but peaceful encounter.
It’s special to see a Snowy Owl, no matter how far away. Rather than get too close I use binoculars, or a fully zoomed lens before cropping heavily.
I once saw a photographer crawl to a Snowy. He got close, but missed the point.
“Keep your distance.” - WCVB; “give the ‘snowies’ their space.” - Boston.com; “stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away…[don’t] attempt to approach the owl.” - Mass Audubon.
Chicago Bird Alliance: “if the owl looks at you frequently, you’re too close.” U.S. Fish & Wildlife: stressed owls “look wide-eyed.” Nice for photos, bad for the owl.
If you get close just once, you might think “no big deal.” Truth is:
While a single incident may not seem like a life-threatening situation for an owl, it’s the cumulative effect of repeated disturbances that are more likely to occur when an owl perches in a highly visible, public location that then reduces the likelihood it will survive to return north to breed.
It’s up to birders to be responsible. You might find a Snowy Owl if you look. Get closer or stay 50 yards away? Make the right choice.
Awesome images of the Snowy Owl, James. I like how the snowy has staked out that patch of remaining snow as well.
Thanks for the reminder. We got a pair in Michigan a few years ago. Naturally there were people who approached them, enough that the owner of the property had to get involved.
Dazzling gallery of photos here James!