Searching for Snowy Owls

I just spent a couple of days down in Duxbury, Massachusetts, hoping to spot some snowy owls—and what an experience it was!

On the first day, I spotted one out on the ice along the shore of Duxbury Bay. I was very happy to find one, but unfortunately, it was too far away for a good shot, even with my telephoto lens. Determined, I went back the next day. The weather was perfect—sunny and a little warmer—and I was lucky enough to find what I’m pretty sure was the same owl, but much closer to the road this time. I managed to get a few nice shots, which I’m excited to share here.

The first day also brought an unexpected and somewhat magical encounter. As I was heading back along the beach to the parking area, I nearly walked right over a flock of Dunlins sleeping on the sand. They were so still, most perched on one leg with their heads tucked into their feathers, that I didn’t notice them until I was just 15–20 feet away. Even then, they didn’t budge. Some were hopping around on one leg, but none seemed the least bit bothered by my presence.

The second day brought another close encounter with another flock of Dunlins, this time along the shore of Duxbury Bay. I got some lovely shots of them both searching for food and in flight.

And then there were the little things that always catch my eye—like the beautifully colored stones scattered along the beach. I find their variety so intriguing. I also captured a photo of a single Sanderling as it searched for food along the shore.

If you’d like to see the full photo sets from my trip, you can check them out here...

https://photos.bobspixels.com/view_album.php?album=2025/2025_01_18

https://photos.bobspixels.com/view_album.php?album=2025/2025_01_19