Let's Build a Snowy Owl

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Looking for something different to do outside this winter? Kids bored of the usual snowman? Why not try your hand at building a snowy owl instead. Not only do you end up with a unique yard decoration, it doubles as a bird feeder for your feathered friends!

Isn't she cute?

All you need to get started is some snow and some black-oil sunflower seeds. You can also add other items, such as peanuts, for a varied look, it's all up to you!

Thankfully, snowy owls form a pretty simple shape while sitting on the ground, making it easy to replicate. I used the photo below for reference just to help get the shape right and then "winged" (pun intended) it from there.

Photo for Reference

First, build your rough shape, an elongated lump of snow with a head. Once you have the basic shape you can carve out as many or as little details as you want, a wing, some eyes, the curve of the body, etc.

Starting my snow owl.

Next it's time for the black-oil sunflower. Using the reference picture again, spread the seeds on the back/sides of the owl to replicate the feather patterns, there's no right or wrong, go as sparse or as full as you like! I also used the seeds to make the nose/eyes, you could also use different seeds for the face, anything goes here.