Snowy Owl in Flight

An adult snowy owl sweeps low across a field where thin snow has settled between stands of dry grass. Its wings are caught at full stretch, showing the pale flight feathers and dark markings along the tips. A bare tree line runs behind the bird, while the light winter sky keeps its yellow eye and rounded face easy to pick out.

Start with the eye, beak and patterned chest, then follow the long edge of each wing. The dark trees form a useful strip through the middle and separate the bird from the field. Leave the snow and dry grass until later. They share similar colors, but the soft snow and stiff stalks are easier to tell apart once the bird and trees are in place.