Puffy Owl
by Mitch Shindelbower
Title
Puffy Owl
Artist
Mitch Shindelbower
Medium
Photograph
Description
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is a large owl of the typical owl family Strigidae. The Snowy Owl was first classified in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, the Swedish naturalist who developed binomial nomenclature to classify and organize plants and animals.
Until recently, it was regarded as the sole member of a distinct genus, as Nyctea scandiaca, but mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Olsen et al. 2002) shows that it is very closely related to the horned owls in the genus Bubo. However, some authorities debate this classification, still preferring Nyctea.[2] The Snowy Owl is the official bird of the Canadian province of Quebec. It is also widely sought after by birdwatchers and nature-enthusiasts alike.This yellow-eyed, black-beaked white bird is easily recognizable. It is 52–71 cm (20–28 in) long, with a 125–150 cm (49–59 in) wingspan. Also, these birds can weigh anywhere from 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lb).[3] It is one of the largest species of owl and, in North America, is on average the heaviest owl species. The adult male is virtually pure white, but females and young birds have some dark scalloping; the young are heavily barred, and dark spotting may even predominate. Its thick plumage, heavily feathered taloned feet, and colouration render the Snowy Owl well-adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle.
Snowy Owl calls are varied, but the alarm call is a barking, almost quacking krek-krek; the female also has a softer mewling pyee-pyee or prek-prek. The song is a deep repeated gahw. They may also clap their beak in response to threats or annoyances. While called clapping, it is believed this sound may actually be a clicking of the tongue, not the beak.
Uploaded
January 16th, 2014
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Comments (19)
Nereida Rodriguez
Wow, no words to describe how beautiful this image is...it is insane, spectacular, amazing. I can't get the right word...maybe it does not exist. Wow!
Randy Rosenberger
Mitch, one of the finest owl closeups I have ever seen. Grandiose avian capture and presentation. Love it! It is an honor and a privilege as an administrator of one of the top groups on FAA, our Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group, to promote and highlight your awesome artworks on our homepage in one of the prestigious positions, on our group Featuring HOMEPAGE! Your artworks show your love of what you do, and is refined to where we not only accept and promote your fine works, but welcome that opportunity. It is a pleasure to have you as a member of our family of friends and fine artists in the WFS group. Thanks for sharing! LIKED and FAVED Forever, Elvis
Jim Hill
Great portrait MItch!! How often do we get to see an owl so up close and intimate! v,f,t,g+