SNAPSHOT

While driving up the North Fork Road along the western edge of Glacier National Park in December, Whitefish photographer STEVEN GNAM spotted this northern pygmy owl in a cottonwood sapling. “My experience is that these owls seem okay with human presence, at least for a bit, and this one sat there as I took a few shots.” Gnam says he was immediately drawn to the amber highlights of the owl’s eyes, beak, and talons against the indigo blue background. “It was dusk, when you get a cool, blue light, and I was also getting some reflection from the river, giving me that great color. Add to that those snowflakes in the air, which really emphasized that it was winter and made the contrast of the owl’s glowing eyes even more distinct.” ■