Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Denver Holt working on a snowy owl nest

Owl researcher, Denver Holt works over one of this season's snowy owl nests in Barrow, Alaska. Founder and president of the Owl Research Institute, Denver carries a legacy of 25 years of snowy owl research. After much recognition he remains humble and most important, respectful and loving to the tundra and owls. Sharing in his field work is an amazing learning experience. On each nest he measures the captured pray, owlet conditions and egg hatching while cautious parents look over him and sometimes dive bomb to protect their nest. Denver practices a fast and gentle approach to minimally disturb the owl's natural process.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2015
Date Uploaded: 07.2015
Photo Location: Barrow, Alaska, Alaska, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Copyright: © Florencia Mazza Ramsay
Awards
Editor's Pick