Snowy Owl Visits Chattanooga And Provides Once In A Lifetime Images

  • Thursday, January 28, 2021
  • Thom Benson
A Snowy Owl visited Chattanooga
A Snowy Owl visited Chattanooga
photo by Kathleen Greeson

Snowy Owls are among the world’s most strikingly beautiful birds. At home in the high arctic of the northern hemisphere, these spectacular owls migrate southward during the winter months. 

Normally, these white birds-of-prey only travel far enough to escape the harshest winter conditions of the tundra. Typically, that journey sees them as far south as the U.S. Canadian border, but on rare occasions, circumstances will take Snowy Owls even farther afield.

Such was the case earlier this month, when a Snowy Owl spent several days in the Chattanooga area. This unexpected visitor attracted birdwatchers from across the United States and garnered significant attention on social media. 

Chattanooga photographer Kathleen Greeson was among those who felt drawn to document the area’s first Snowy Owl visit. She captured stunning images and soon received requests to purchase copies of her photos. Being conservation-minded, Ms. Greeson decided to sell special prints of her pictures and donate the proceeds to benefit the Aquarium’s conservation programs.

“Seeing a Snowy Owl in Chattanooga was a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Ms. Greeson says. “I felt privileged to photograph this beautiful bird and wanted to use my work to inspire others and support the Tennessee Aquarium’s nonprofit mission.”

Nearly two dozen images are available for purchase on Ms. Greeson’s website.

Signed archival prints are available in two sizes — 8X10 or 11X14 — with options to purchase prints on canvas also available.

Aquarium officials said, "Whooo knows when another Snowy Owl might visit our region? We’re thankful for the extremely rare visit, the inspiration of nature, and the thoughtful gift of support that will benefit the Tennessee Aquarium."

 

photo by Kathleen Greeson
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