Snowy Owls of Boundary Bay
With the great afternoon weather we’ve been having lately, it seemed like the perfect time to finally head out to Boundary Bay in Delta to check out the snowy owls. To add to the effect, it had recently snowed too.
I was surprised how close the owls were to the trail (and tons of people) and we were able to see at least 8 in just our field of view…with many more further out. There was even a barn owl hunting nearby but I wasn’t able to get any good shots of him.
No shortage of photographers doing the same thing I was, except with much better (or at least more expensive) gear:
This is what $12 million gets you…the estate overlooking the owls and the bay:
I also managed to capture one of my favorite sunsets yet:
View the full photo set on Flickr.
If you want to check out the owls for yourself, head out towards Ladner via Hwy 99. Turn left onto Ladner Trunk Road and then right at 72nd Street (follow the signs to Boundary Bay Airport). Stay on 72nd until the end of the road and park where ever you can (likely along 72nd but there are a few parking spaces at the very end). There is a trail you should stay on that gives you plenty of viewing of owls. Don’t disturb the owls by getting too close…there are lots of signs saying as such.
I’ve been telling people about the Owls, but yet I haven’t seen them haha
I’ve been told they winter every year in Boundary Bay, I hope to at least get to see them once this year. Ah well :)
John, congratulations on your beautiful photos!
John these are stunning – like everything you shoot!
Wonderful pictures John B.L,!!
Thanks for sharing these..
John Green
Beautiful photos…
How long do they typically stay?
Not sure…they migrate this far south every couple of years when the food is scarce in the artic.
Amazing Birds, Definetly worth the drive out!!!
http://www.mylifeinimages.com/2012/01/20/snowy-owls-on-a-snowy-day-in-boundary-bay/
Lovely photos.
In response to the comments/questions: Snowy Owls only come down from the Arctic in large numbers every four to six years, on the west coast (they are more frequent in eastern Canada). The last time they were on Boundary Bay in any number was the winter of 2006/07. This year has been an exceptionally good year for them, with up to 40 recorded in the Fraser delta.
They usually will stay through the winter. Get out and see them while you have an opportunity, as they won’t be here for too much longer.
does anyone know if the snowy owls are still at boundry bay? I just found this out so I would appreciate any info.
Just heard from someone that went yesterday and the owls were still there.