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Dec 25
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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you Tim and a thought-provoking comment. Re: the snowys in this area (Ottawa Ontario) I know we get them fairly regularly as migrants. From my understanding they’re possibly juveniles pushed out by more dominant adults controlling territory.

I am not too familar with Korean koans, but could write more specific sijo poems about the Snowy Owls. I will be checking back on that rural area on the outskirts of Ottawa over the holidays. I hope to see more of the snowys and will write more sijo in the coming weeks. Thanks.

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Ann Collins's avatar

A winged messenger from the North stands at the entrance to Winter. . .

Such a beautiful way to see & describe this owl and the coming season, Neil.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Ann and much appreciated. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!

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Dec 25
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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks JT and much appreciated.

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Katharine Beckett Winship's avatar

Neil, thank you for starting the day and the season.

For you to skip your hike to find our Snowy Owl, i send much gratitude.

Merci🌱

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Neil Barker's avatar

You're welcome Katharine and happy to share.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

Yes, the name is appropriate. Snowy owl, so white, you light up the night. Happy holidays to you and your family.

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Neil Barker's avatar

So true, Perry and and I like those lines. Happy holidays to you and your family too Perry.

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Sebastian Harris's avatar

Still a species I’ve yet to see. I tried for them some years back on the coast of New Jersey, but some duck hunters had come in the day before and scared the lone snowy away. Thanks for sharing Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Hopefully this Winter you get to see a Snowy Owl, Sebastian.

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Carole Roseland's avatar

Merry Christmas, Neil! Gorgeous!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Merry Christmas and thank you Carole!

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Just a beautiful shot Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Jenn and much appreciated.

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SydneyMichalski🌿NatureMoments's avatar

Snowy owls are absolutely majestic! Thanks so much for sharing these, Neil - I have yet to see one in person 🤍

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed Sydney - they are a sight to see. Happy to share and I hope you have an opportunity to see one soon!

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James Freitas's avatar

So fitting for solstice, Neil! I'm still hoping to see one this winter. Merry Christmas.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks James and was definitely fitting to see this snow on the solstice. I hope you have a chance to see one this winter. Merry Christmas and best wishes in the New Year.

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Cathy's avatar

Thank you Neil for this wonderful picture. Would I be able to buy a print?

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Neil Barker's avatar

Hello Cathy and thank you very much. I am not currently set up for print sales. I may look into that in the future. Thanks..

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Sara Oyela's avatar

Great photo! It’s so bright, and soft in its features.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks @Sara Oyela and much appreciated! This snowy almost looked like a soft white pillow resting on top of the fencepost. :)

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

Neil, What a wonderful solstice gift for you and a Christmas gift for your readers! Thank you so much for sharing your quest to find the Snowy Owl with us all along with your beautiful Sijo and these lovely photos! Happy Christmas my friend! You are a gift to us all!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Pamela and much appreciated! I was definitely fortunate to encounter this Snowy Owl on the Winter Solstice. Happy Christmas and a best wishes in the New Year!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Magnificent! And yes, so meaningful, the arrival on the Solstice. Thank you for sharing these words and photos, Neil.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Jeanne and much appreciated. I was glad to see this Snowy Owl on the Solstice. Happy to share.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Thank your for this wonderful post, Neil. This is a most auspicious sighting on the Solstice. Excellent animal magnetism with the Snow. Merry Christmas!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Heidi! I was really fortunate to see this snowy on the Winter Solstice. The animal magnetism was strong that day. Merry Christmas and best wishes in the New Year.

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Thank you, Neil. It's really a totemic and auspicious encounter. Have a wonderful holiday.

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Francesca Bossert's avatar

How beautiful! I would love to see one.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks Francesca and they are a sight to see. I do hope you have the chance to see one soon.

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MK Creel's avatar

I love that a snowy owl ushered in the solstice. Such a beautiful and majestic being. I hope to see one some day.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks MK CREEL. I do hope you have the chance to see one some day.

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