One owl you should know well… The Snowy. From memes, to Harry Potter, to yearly controversies about photographers flicking like paparazzi to get a look at them, we all love the Snowy Owl. It’s big, bright, goofy, beautiful, and powerful all at once. Seeing them takes our hearts on a Polar Express ride of happiness. This owl was already tops of the first round voting, and is on a good track to the finals.

A mysterious stranger is looking to stop the Snowy’s crusade. The Crested Owl is secretive and exotic. From tropical destinations not seen by many, but it is a sight to behold for those that do. With its unique sense of style and the thrill of the unknown, can it derail the Snowy?

Upvote your pick now!

#superbowl #owloftheyear2024

    • Redfox8@mander.xyz
      4·
      2 days ago

      That’s a very striking double crest going on, but no match for the bedazzling fine stylings of pure white with black speckling!

      • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
        8·
        2 days ago

        I prefer the spotted lady Snowies myself. The males are a little plain to me.

        They all start out almost pure black and slowly lose it. The ladies remain speckled, but the boys can go pure white.

        Baby

        Awkward teen phase

    • You
      2·
      2 days ago

      Is that a fly sitting in Snowy’s eye in the last pic? No wonder she’s looking angry as heck.

      • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
        3·
        2 days ago

        Such attention to detail!

        I’m guessing a bit of third eyelid, but too fuzzy to tell. I hope she doesn’t have flies bothering her

        • You
          2·
          2 days ago

          Flies are snack sized - if she cares enough to be bothered.

      • onigiri@lemm.ee
        3·
        2 days ago

        This is very surprising for me. I figured Snowy would move on and be very tough for Saw Whet to beat in the final, but maybe Crested has some momentum this year. Or maybe if Snowy gets knocked out it’s very good for little SWO. I suppose this match isn’t over yet, though.

        • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
          3·
          2 days ago

          I’m sweating it now, because I’m near the end of decent Crested pics that don’t look the exact same as ones I’ve used already! 😮

  • LordAmplifier@pawb.socialEnglish
    6·
    2 days ago

    One of the toughest choices so far! I really don’t know who to pick because they’re both beautiful owls, each in its own way.

  • Optional@lemmy.world
    4·
    2 days ago

    Cres-Tid! Cres-Tid! Cres-Tid! Cres-Tid!

    (Yes, I know but it read too much like a person’s name otherwise)

  • pseudo@jlai.lu
    3·
    2 days ago

    It is not a game for me. The Snowy owl is very very beautiful but it is way to commonly pictures, to the point where it feels to lack character.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      4·
      2 days ago

      I can only assume something similar may have gone on with the Screech. That’s another popular one I was surprised to see lose.

        • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
          3·
          2 days ago

          The surprises are definitely interesting.

          It’s Democratic if nothing else, so you guys are getting what the majority wants anyway.

          I always get to pick what I like, so my needs are already met! 😉

          But I want to give you all what you want too.

  • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
    6·
    2 days ago

    Barn vs Short Eared was a good match. Shorty had its good share of fans, but Barn held on to a slim but steady lead all day.

    Both are very wonderful owls, but Barn is the one to move on.

    We’re still at the tail end of Shorty season, so fans of the SEO will still have more pics coming.

  • Redfox8@mander.xyz
    4·
    2 days ago

    First pic of the Snowy: in a sultry voice “yeah…you know you’re gonna vote for me and I know you won’t be able to resist!”

    *clicks upvote for Snowy

    “Hey he/she was right!”