Ryan Van Meter Ryan Van Meter Expeditions Photographs
'Snowy Owl Takeoff' Photograph by Ryan Van Meter

Snowy Owl Takeoff

Snowies can sit a perch for a long time. Hours. Prior to takeoff, they often shift their bodyweight forward and spray a stream of waste backward, in a behavior known as "pre-flight slicing" that reduces weight before travel or hunting. When you stand for hours in a frigid windy field watching an Owl sitting, waiting for it to take off, it's a helpful reminder to get the camera ready.
© 1980-2026 — Ryan Van Meter — All Rights Reserved — No Reuse Without Permission — License

New York, USA

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus
iNaturalist Observation
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© 1980—2026 RYAN VAN METER