Long-eared Owl Asio otus. Balgoij, The Netherlands.
Photographer: Edwin Giesbers, The Netherlands. Category: Birds in the Environment. SILVER AWARD WINNER.
Photographer’s Story: ‘Most owl species lead a solitary life, but when autumn makes its appearance, Long-eared Owls are sometimes more gregarious. From September to April, some birds sleep in close proximity to one another during the daytime in so-called roost trees; in some cases these trees have been used for decades. Who knows, they could be in your neighbourhood because often these roost trees are located in residential areas. Trees like Beech and Silver Birch are used in autumn. But as these trees lose their leaves, the birds often move to a nearby Yew or fir where they are less noticeable than in a bare tree.’
Nikon D750 with Nikon 24-85mm AF lens. 80mm focal length; 1/100 second; f/6.3; ISO 1,000. Handheld.
