One of the world’s largest Owls, Snowy Owl (Nyctea scandiaca) hunts in the desolate and bitterly cold Arctic tundra that She calls home. Because of the long nights of numbing cold, Snowy Owl has layers of fat to help Her survive. Since food is often scarce, She can fast for forty days at a time. In addition, Snowy Owl conserves her energy by remaining still as long as possible. While waiting for an opportunity presents itself, She remains continually observant.
In her pursuit of food, Snowy Owl is a strategist. She may seem lazy, however Snowy Owl is actively looking for Lemming to appear. She can hunt day or night. If need be, She will play dead. When an intruder comes near her nest, Snowy Owl will swoop down and strike Them with her talons. Sometimes She will feign injury, dragging her wing on the ground to lure Fox away from her young Owlets.
Snowy Owl forms close ties with Lemming, which goes beyond the usual predator and prey relationship. To make up for their short lives as Owl food, Lemmings breed in great numbers. When Lemmings are in short supply, Snowy Owl travels in search of Rabbits. Not attached to any particular place, Snowy Owl will go as far as the Caribbean in search of food. Wherever Snowy Owl goes, She attracts attention. Because of her large size and elegant white plumage, people notice Her perched on a haystack or on an airport runway waiting for an unsuspecting Rodent.
Snowy Owl teaches active patience. During the long Arctic winter, She fasts and waits for summer. Hunting for Lemmings, She patiently perches on a rock listening for Them to move about underground. When there are no Lemmings, Snowy Owl searches patiently for other food. She is rewarded for her efforts. Learn active patience from Snowy Owl.
Snowy Owl’s Teachings Also Include:
“Snowy Owl Dreaming encourages us to figuratively face the North Wind: to weather the storm and welcome the wisdom afforded by the elemental forces at work in our life.” Copyright: “Animal Messengers” by Scott Alexander King
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Va. Carper
January 26, 2008