I thought that the Cumberland County, PA Snowy Owl was going to be the last of that species I would see for a while – maybe even for the next few years…..but then word spread that there was a very cooperative owl in Armstrong County. It was a 2 hr drive from State College, so neither myself or my friends were too eager to chase the bird. After seeing more and more photos come in of the bird, I knew I wanted to go see and photograph the bird myself. Then a immature Trumpeter Swan showed up literally on the way to the Snowy. Drew and I knew this was the added push we needed to make this chase. So yesterday afternoon, after stopping to see the swan, we arrived in Worthington, PA and watched the owl for 2.5 hrs.
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
When we first arrived at the house, the owl was perched on the roof right next to the chimney. The owl seemed pretty content despite the fact that it was surrounded by about 20 people (mostly non-birders). The owl moved around a little on the roof and then flew to a nearby telephone pole. After spending a few minutes perched there, the bird flew out and landed in the farm field across the street. It was incredible being able to watch this massive bird at such close range.
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)
Snowy Owl - Armstrong County (Photo by Alex Lamoreaux)