20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Snowy Owl Fight

A pair of snowy owls fith over access to prime hunting terrain along the coast of Maine. Multiple owls appeared in this area last fall, and this particular salt marsh area was excellent for vole-hunting. The more elevated owl in this image attacked the lower owl, driving it to the ground. After a few minutes, the owls separated and the loser headed off to another section of the marsh.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Biddeford, Maine, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Copyright: © Loren Merrill