Photo by Chris Bosak
A Great Gray Owl perches in a pine tree and battles windy, snowy conditions in Newport, N.H., in March 2017.

While visiting the great gray owl the other day, a few wind gusts and snow squalls rolled through adding to the uniqueness of the scene. The owl itself braved the conditions just fine … of course, it’s a bird of the Boreal Forest so extreme weather is part of life for these birds. If anything, the conditions made things more difficult for us humans, but I don’t think the owl really gave a hoot about our comfort.

Snow always adds an interesting element to photos anyway, but throw in a great gray owl as the subject and you have the potential for a really cool photo.

The owl is still being seen in Newport, N.H. as of this morning (Saturday, March 11, 2017). Thanks to Dylan Jackson of Sunapee, N.H. for the frequent updates for us out-of-town fans.

There has been some concern expressed on the rare bird alert list about some visitors not following proper wildlife viewing etiquette while checking out the bird. Indeed, during the short time I was there Thursday morning, one eager visitor approached way too closely and flushed the bird to another perch. I see this a lot when moose watching in northern New Hampshire. I understand the urge to get closer and closer, but the needs of the animal always have to come first.

If you go see the bird — and if you’re anywhere near Newport, N.H., I encourage you to do so — keep a respectful distance and let the owl go about its day. It needs to hunt and rest as always even though it’s in a foreign area.

Let me know if you venture to see the owl.

Photo by Chris Bosak
A Great Gray Owl perches in a pine tree and battles windy, snowy conditions in Newport, N.H., in March 2017.