This evening's dusk session with a Snowy Owl may possibly be my last for the 2013-14 season. Towards the end of March the Snowys start to think about their long trek back home to the Arctic. The extended daylight acts a signal for them to leave, as well as the requirement to find a partner for mating towards the end of April. This photo was taken an hour and a half or so before the sun set on the horizon.

Canon 5D Mark III with the 500L f4 lens with the 1.4 Extender II handheld at 1/1000, f11, ISO 400, +1 exposure compensation. Very minimal crop for composition purposes.

This winter was unusually cold with much snow, which hasn't melted yet. I'm curious to see whether this will affect them and delay their departure. If so, I just might be tempted to give another "last visit", but if I don't, my goodbyes have been given and I will await the return of these majestic birds who share their time with me and provide for me a feeling of well-being - more than just photos.

Many thanks to my friends with whom I had the pleasure to photograph with this season and to the many more who gave me lots of breathing room and privacy.

Cheers,

Mike