After six days of severe cold (well below zero) and high winds, the weather moderated. Although it was supposed to be cloudy yesterday afternoon, life was good and the skies cleared. I went looking for Snowy Owls. Right before sunset I found an owl on a HUGE snow pile. The sunset was magical. The Snowy actually flew right by me at eye level only five yards away when it took off for the evening hunt. As it passed my spot, it glanced over at me and then disappeared over a small hill. Wow! It was a Snowy Owl treat I will always remember.

Pre-Sunset … from an oblique angle to the sun

Post-Sunset … directly in line with the sun beneath the horizon (you can actually see the owl kicking up some snow as it lifts off)