Fotografia

Jericho Hills Photography

A Snowy Owl rests in the snow, keeping a wary eye out for predators.

The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is also known as the Arctic Owl, Great White Owl, Icelandic Snow Owl, or Harfang. This yellow-eyed, black-beaked white bird is easily recognizable. It is one of the largest species of owl in North America, and 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 coloration render the Snowy Owl well adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle...Snowy Owls nest in the Arctic tundra of the northern most stretches of Alaska, Canada and Eurasia. They winter south through Canada and northern Eurasia, with irruptions occurring further south in some years...Snowy Owls are attracted to open areas like coastal dunes and prairies that appear somewhat similar to tundra.