SNOWY OWL Bubo Scandiacus Silver Coin 20$ Canada 2016

The reverse design by Canadian artist Douglas Laird 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 of wood 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 has detected our intrusion and has swiveled its head to spy the viewer with the big, yellow eyes that help it seek its prey throughout the seasons.