- Country:Canada
- Collection:Silver Commemorative $20
- Metal:Silver
- Year:2016
- Denomination:$20
- Finish:Complete
- Weight (oz):1.009
- Purity:0.9999
- Mintage:6498
- Product type:Coin
Majestic, powerful and hauntingly silent in flight, the Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) embodies the enigmatic nature of Canada's Arctic region. It is one of the largest owl species and contrary to common belief, can see equally well day or night-an ability that is particularly important for this northern resident that must hunt under the midnight sun of the Arctic summer.
While the snowy owl's beautiful plumage maybe the first thing that catches your eye when looking at the coin, this bird of prey's eyes are among its most distinctive features. Surprisingly, those cat-like, bright yellow eyes are similar in weight and size to the human eye; but unlike other birds, the snowy owl's eyes face forwardto allow for a heightened depth perception. Since their eyes cannot move freely within their sockets,owls have a flexible neck that enables them to turntheir head 270 degrees in either direction-a remarkable ability that is alluded to in the coin design.
A must-have addition for any nature or animallover in your family! Order today!
Special features:
The coin's reverse brings life to one of Canada's most iconic birds, which is closely identified with the Arctic region.
Exquisitely detailed engraving faithfully depicts a snowy owl, as seen in a natural setting in one of the manyopen fields that are part of the Canadian landscape.
Vibrant colour enhances the engraving and recreatesthe snowy owl's distinctively dense white and brown-barred plumage.
Your coin is GST/HST exempt.
About the Design:
Designed by Canadian artist Douglas Laird, your coin features a beautiful snowy owl after the first snow. Intricately engraved and beautifully enhanced with vibrant colour, this unique close-up allows a magnificent view of this majestic creature's remarkable features, from its rounded head and black bill to the down-covered legs and toes. Perched on a dried piece ofwood in a rolling field, the owl's brown-barred white plumage allows for an element of camouflage amidst its natural surroundings-particularly as the softly falling snow blankets the landscape. Using its acute hearing, the snowy owl hasdetected our intrusion and has swiveled its head to spy the viewer with the big, yellow eyes that helpit seek its prey throughout the seasons.
Did you knowÃ
The snowy owl is an important part of the ecosystem of the Arctic tundra and is protected from hunting across Canada.
In 1987, it was named the official bird of the province of Quebec.
Snowy owls prefer wide-open spaces across their vast range.
The species breeds in the Arctic region and have wintering grounds in southern Canada, the northern United States, and Russia. Some birds remain in the Arctic year-round while others migrate intermittently.
In the spring, owls will hop from snow patch to snow patch as the snow disappears from their wintering grounds; some experts believe they do this to remain camouflaged.
