Winter “Snow Wings” and Owls

By Richard B. Primack 

 

“Take long walks in stormy weather or through deep snows in the fields and woods, if you would keep your spirits up.” Henry David Thoreau in “A Winter Walk”

 

A January snowstorm with almost no wind allowed the snow to create wonderful scenes in the Webster Woods. The branches of trees and shrubs looked like a cotton-covered lattice work. 

 

Photo 1: Wintry scene at Bare Pond.

The snow-covered twigs of red maple trees appeared to be “snow wings.”

 

Photo 2: "Snow wings" at Bare Pond.

A great horned owl took up residence at the western edge of the woods near Elgin Street, hooting in the late afternoon and evening from its perch in a large pine tree. At times it could be seen perching on an exposed branch halfway up the tree. It was even visible on a series of photos taken with an iPhone from 150 yards away. 

 

Photo 3: The pine tree from 150 yards away. Can you see the owl?

 

Photo 4: The owl among branches of the pine tree.

 

Photo 5: A blurry photo of the owl.

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