As I searched and searched today in the blizzard for the Snowy Owl, I finally decided I needed to give up. I was frozen, my fingers were numb, and my tummy was rumbling, I was a bit disappointed until I came across this Merlin Hawk literally hanging on for dear life as the branch he landed on was being whipped around in the strong winds. He was a tough little guy, hung out for a minute or two while being thrown around crazily. Who knew I’d be taking portraits of birds on the beach rather than families on the beach this winter? Perhaps that means I should invest in that beautiful 500mm lens I’ve been lusting over for years… Who wants to tell my husband?