This Snowy Owl perched on a building adjacent to my work site. It intently watched as three of us slowly edged closer for a better look. We halted, admired, then withdrew. I reflected on our good fortune at being able to so closely approach such a regal bird.
In June 2010 I had occasion to visit Estes Park CO with family. We stayed in a rental house in town. I learned that it wasn’t unheard of for elk to saunter through town. One day this elk wandered into the rental’s yard. After saying a few choice phrases I grabbed my camera and began snapping away. This beautiful animal was perhaps 50 feet away from me, I was astounded to see how this powerful, graceful, regal animal stood still for a minute or so, almost consciously posing while I photographed it. I was also quite cognizant that something could disturb it, sending it running in any direction including mine. Never saw one before and may never see one again. It was an almost magical experience and one I vividly remember.
