One of the best places to see a Snowy Owl in our area is on the docks at Col. Sam Smith Park in winter.

When I arrived at 8:30, none was in sight, but by 11 we spotted one.

Is it a male of a female? Good question. The Peterson Guide makes no distinction except to say that some birds are whiter than others. Some sources say that males are often almost pure white while females may be heavily barred with dark brown.

Here is a photo from the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates. 

One through five on the left are males; six, seven, and eight are females. Notice how similar, yet different, are five and six (male #5, female #6).

I would guess that this morning’s bird is a male like #4 or #5.

Other birds:

Park scenes:

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

Thought you might enjoy reading this:

https://www.blogto.com/city/2022/01/pigeon-visits-man-toronto-backyard-nearly-every-day/

NATURE POETRY

The faint shadow of the morning moon?
Nay, the snow falling on the earth.
The mist of blossoming flowers?
Nay, poetry smiling up the sky.      – Yone Noguchi (1875–1947)

Miles Hearn