From Shad David Sluiter

A snowy owl on the Arctic tundra.

Of all the wildlife I hoped to see on a trip to the north coast of Baffin Island, this was one of the most exciting surprises. Not just one snowy owl, but eight in a single day! Conservation officers told us it was apparently a particularly good year for voles, which meant plenty of food for these magnificent Arctic hunters.

Most snowy owl photography takes place in winter, when some of these birds migrate south into the northern United States. But this was different. This was their home territory. It is the vast, treeless Arctic tundra, in August, with mountains rising in the distance.

Watching this beautiful white owl lift off and glide across the tundra was unforgettable. I couldn't help thinking of Hedwig from Harry Potter.

Canon R5 mark ii RF 100-500