Flying snowy owl with empty talons

This female snowy owl patrols the sky above her nest in Barrow, Alaska. Her long, sharp talons are visible. During nesting season, the female snowy owl never ventures very far from the nest. The females depend on their mates to bring food back to the nest. In the barren tundra of Alaska, food is scarce. Snowy owls feed on small rodents such as brown lemmings. Owl talons are specifically designed for snatching their prey off the ground.

Stock Image #20140712-123258