You have probably heard about the Snowy Owl irruption in the eastern US this winter. There have been sightings of these snowy white birds in Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA which isn't really unusual in winter. More sightings occurred in areas just one hour north of me. Recently, there was a sighting about five miles from my home. I haven't been able to find one yet. I guess I still have some time before they begin heading north, so I'll keep looking.
Another bird of the high Arctic is the Snow Bunting. In my quest of the Snowy Owl I did find a small flock of Snow Buntings. The one in the photo below posed nicely on the rocks lining the frozen shore of Pymatuning lake.
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunting at home in its snowy environment.
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunting
This Black-capped Chickadee, and several more, spent a lot of time picking seed from the cones of this Eastern Hemlock, Pennsylvania's state tree.
Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
They hang upside down to pull the seeds out.
Black-capped Chickadee
Black-capped Chickadee
This was one of two deer that exited the dense woods. Six more stayed well hidden. As we enter into the middle of winter, food is becoming harder and harder to find. This deer was digging in the snow under a crabapple tree.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer
The Long-tailed Duck, formerly known as Oldsquaw, breeds in the Arctic and winters along both coasts of North America. Generally, I will only find them in Pennsylvania during migration. The Long-tailed Duck is one of the deepest diving ducks, and can dive as deep as 200 feet in search of food. This is my first photograph of this species of duck found in one of the few unfrozen areas of the lake at Pymatuning State Park.
Long-tailed Duck
Long-tailed Duck
I found Canada Geese, numbering in the hundreds, resting in the fields...
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
and in shallow water on top of the frozen lake.
Canada Geese
Canada Geese
The Snow Buntings spent a lot of time picking seeds off the dried grasses just off the lake shore.
Snow Bunting
Snow Bunting
It's funny how some animals like this frigid, snowy, winter weather. It's February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil predicted another six weeks of winter, and I am ready for spring.
Thanks for looking and come back soon,
Dan
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