A Snowy Moment

A Snowy Moment.


It was a cold winters day as my friend Naomi and I headed into Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. We had set out on a mission or maybe it was more of a hope and a dream to see Snowy Owls and White Winged Crossbills that had been reported at the park.

Neither of had ever traveled here and we did not have a clue as to wear to look for and both birds would certainly be new ones for both of us too. As we entered the park we were greeted with a Mockingbird surprisingly still singing despite the cold weather and frozen white covered ground. We drove further and were greeted with our first crossbills hanging in trees and eating pine cones. Red and Green birds with hooked split bills enjoy the cones. What a fascinating site to see them take a piece of cone and use that special bill to split open the pine and grab its nourishment. It was stunning to see them so soon and so close. A treat for sure.

Back in the warm car we headed deeper into the park and a few little birds scattered off from the side of the road. Snow Buntings!! Another bird I had only seen once. They are a cute little bird that you only see in the winters around here.

Still deeper into the park we went. On the left suddenly appeared a large group of photographers and gawkers in a circle around a mound of dune grass and snow. Seeing so many people we chose to keep going in our hunt for the Snowy Owl and anything else we may run into. So we drove but an urging to go back to the swarm of people and see why everyone was in a circle seemingly worshiping something at the center.

I turned around and we found a place to park in a snowing and icy parking lot amongst the gaggle of cars. As we got out with our camera gear and walked towards the circle the feeling within me grew strong and slowly a shape began to emerge on the top of the mound partially covered by dunes. Could it be!!! I looked at Naomi and mouthed “Snowy”! Both of us smiled as we made our way into the circle.

One lone Snowy Owl was the center of attention for some 30 plus photographers and birders in a full circle around the dune. Nobody was within 50 yards as everyone seemed to know that sharing the moment with the Snowy was a truly magical moment. Such a beautiful bird that seemed content to rest in the center of a special little World of people seeming to worship the haloed great white bird.

Time seemed to stand still and the cold was held at bay somehow as well. Was it a warmth from the beauty that was before us? Barely any words were said as people just watched and starred in awe. Each twitch or movement of the head seemed to move the crowd with either fear of the bird leaving or maybe just because of the majesty.

Slowly the crowd thinned and thinned till there were just a few of us left. I have a great patience but I also had a great sense that something truly special was about to happen. The crowd now down to Naomi, myself, and one other photographer. A truck salting the road pulled into the parking lot and it startled the Snowy who took flight and headed off. I keenly watched the bird as it flew with the idea of relocating to watch it a little more. I was enjoy the time without so many others. I could feel a stronger connection.

The bird landed a hundred yards or so away, closer to the edge of the dune grass and beach. I did not move towards it but rather watched the other photographer. I do not know if he did not see it land or just did not want to chase it, but he headed for the car. I could feel then that my moment was coming. I pointed to Naomi where I thought it landed and she, of course, was watching as well. I began to make my way and in my excitement I outpaced Naomi. We normally split and she takes in what she wants as I do myself.

Walking through snow that often was knee deep I headed to a boardwalk that led to the beach. It was snowy and crunchy. I knew I needed to walk slow and exude calmness from my mind and body posture. As I neared where I thought the owl had landed I began to give off a lower profile and lowered the rim of my hat to hide me eyes.

OH my GOD!!! There it was just off the edge of the boardwalk. I raised the camera and took a few shots and then slowly slithered towards the owl and a better view. It looked at me and our eyes meet briefly before I lowered my head in difference to the beautiful owl. I slithered forward still and came to a stop some 30 feet from it. Naomi was on the boardwalk but being cautious as she saw how close I was and is always thoughtful when I am trying to get “the shot”.

My heart was pounding with excitement and I hoped I could hold the lens steady enough for some great shots. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes became exposed only to be met by those of the Snowy Owl. Eye to eye….nothing seen on either side except the other. A connection pulsed through my mind and into my bloodstream. My heartbeat slowed and my mind came at ease. Slow the owl turned from side to side checking out the surroundings. It was showing me a true trust by not flying away and by turning its head away from me. This seemed to last forever and I truly do not know the length of time. I do know it was truly magical.

Our eyes met again and this time the engagement lingered. It was just the two of us truly sharing a moment. What was it thinking? Feeling? I was feeling warmth and a safety, an acceptance.

As the owl turned its head away and then back one more time I knew it was time for this to end. Then two Snow Buntings flew past the owl and off he took in flight after the possible meal that presented itself. I was able to get images of it flying off simply because the connection between us allowed me to read the owl and the upcoming flight.

A truly magical moment that I will never forget and will always keep it close to my heart. An owl and I sharing a few moments where there was nothing else in the World except one another. A gift to cherish.