Their majestic pose, their eyes locked on ya staring down the lens barrel, it’s so addictive! Having been fortunate to enjoy this moment many times in the past, like in January at Sax-Zim, I seek it as often as possible. So we’ve been out looking for our local Great Gray Owls with little success. It’s the usual story, “Should have been here …” That’s probably one of the greatest rewards of photographing critters, getting out on their terms, looking for them in their world. When they share it, it touches the soul, leaving a permanent attachment. So far this winter, though, when it comes to our local Great Grays, no sign … yet.

Statistically, it shouldn’t be the case. But each winter, we have a flock of flickers at our feeders. I’m not talking a half dozen or even a dozen, right now out our windows, Sharon & I count 27! They are so much fun to watch and even more so to photograph. They are incredibly vocal, that’s until either the Coops or Gos appear in the canopy, and especially when the Pileated lands on the feeder. Then it’s silent, until they are gone. With all of them around, some checking out old cavities, some making new, in and out of the owl boxes, we expect to have them nest on the property. But so far, not a one. In fact, once winter lets go of the land, they vacate the property. They come and go with the snow.