Long Eared Owl Portrait

One morning in July I went to my local nature reserve and was amazed to see this juvenile Long Eared Owl perched on one of the information signs. I managed to get a few images before it flew off and I went to explore the rest of the reserve. On my way back to my car I saw it again on the same perch and photographed on various perches as it moved around the reception area. I captured this image when it flew up on to the post used to support the birdfeeders and was delighted when it turned to look straight at me with its amazing orange eyes. I positioned myself so that it stood out against the dappled green background of leaves and light and framed it between a dark tree trunk and dark shadows on either side. I was informed that this was the first Long Eared Owl to fledge in over a decade in the Waveney Valley. It was a privilege to have seen and photographed this rare and secretive bird.