Monday, November 24, 2008

To chase or not to chase?

Since becoming a birder and realizing that wonders are mine to be had, I have paid attention to what was flying around in our area.

From that first "spark" downy woodpecker in my yard to my latest New Jersey Lifer, I have been paying attention. And since my introduction to birds of prey, Winter has taken on more meaning.
Ohio is not on top of the list for Snowy Owls, but we can count on one, maybe two in the cold months. I have been reading my emails from the Ohio Bird listserv every day, turning green with envy at all the Northern Ohio birders who are spotting Snowy's lately. I think there are at least four different Snowys in Ohio right now. I told myself that I wouldn't chase one until it was closer to home.
And today, one was seen about an hour from our house. Their staying power (as in they are seen for a few days, then disappear) is iffy, so I have to make a decision.

Tomorrow, I could drop off Lorelei, drive an hour, search for two hours, then drive an hour back to pick up Lorelei. (Going in the afternoon is out....tomorrow is Swami's birthday, so we must party)



So. Do I stay or do I go?










(The happiest snowy owl on the planet, I think. I don't remember where I found this, but doesn't it just make you happy, just looking at him?)

16 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

My life snowy was the single most thrilling bird in my life (so far...).

Go for it!

Anonymous said...

I say go! The price of gas is down and you do have the time tomorrow. Take it and run!

Kim said...

That picture makes me laugh it is so sweet. He looks as if he is posing for the camera.

GO! Winter is such a drag that you have to find the good things about it, and snowy owls are one of them!! ;o)

Kathi said...

CHASE IT! You absolutely MUST see a Snowy Owl - they are SO cool!

I got the Wilmington owl in 2001, before I even knew what "chasing" was.

The Xenia owl sounds perfect - much better than driving to Cleveland.

Best of luck! I'll be at work, thinking about you. I would keep my fingers crossed, but it makes it hard to do surgery that way.

~Kathi

NatureWoman said...

Go for it! Then party like crazy with Swami! Happy Birthday to Swami!

RuthieJ said...

Only an hour away? Definitely you must go and hopefully get some photos to share with us.

Beth in NYC said...

What NatureWoman said - go for it! A snowy within an hour's drive is worth the effort. Good luck!

dguzman said...

I'm in the same boat--I've seen a few snowies on the listserv, but usually it's during the week, so even if I wanted to chase, I'd have to wait for a sighting on a Friday so I could go on a Saturday and hope to catch it. Maybe someday....

Mary said...

Where, Oh Where, might Susan be?

I'll bet I know...I hope she remembered to take her camera :o)

Happy Birthday SWAMI!

NCmountainwoman said...

I have no idea why you solicited advice. You know you're going. Hope you are successful.

I loved the happy owl.

Owlman said...

Pack up the donkeys and RIDE!

Beth said...

Chase it and then blog about it. We'll all be waiting with baited breath....

Beth

Kathi said...

WELL?????

Did you get it????

~K, impatiently waiting for a Snowy Owl post

Unknown said...

Being a birder does make one tune into the world around them, as does blogging.

Dave Dorsey said...

GGGGGOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MicheleRF said...

Soooo, did you go!?