This Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) had just awakened from a long sleep in a June snowfall in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA.

Due to its high altitude Yellowstone can experience winter-like weather even in summer.  To capture this moment, I waited for hours in rain, sleet, and snow for the owl to open its eyes.  My hands were so cold I could not press the shutter button at times.  I'm not always that patient but sometimes it pays off.