Owls are some of the most captivating birds to photograph, with their forward-facing eyes, rounded facial discs and calm, watchful presence. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they have adapted to an enormous range of habitats, from ancient European woodland and open farmland to dense tropical rainforest and the cold northern forests of the taiga.
Almost everything about an owl is designed for hunting in low light. Soft, fringed flight feathers break up the flow of air so they can fly in near silence, while their facial discs act like satellite dishes, channelling sound towards ears that are often set at slightly different heights on the head. This lets many owls pinpoint prey by sound alone, even under snow or leaf litter. They cannot move their eyes in their sockets, so instead they can turn their heads up to around 270 degrees.
My collection covers owls of every size. The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is one of the largest owls in the world, powerful enough to take prey as big as a fox, while the Little Owl is a small, bold bird often seen in daylight, perched on fence posts and old barns. You can also explore the familiar Tawny Owl of British woodland, the striking Spectacled Owl of Central and South American rainforests, and the Northern Hawk Owl, which hunts by day across the boreal forest.
Owls play an important role in controlling rodent populations, making them valuable allies to farmers and a key part of healthy ecosystems. Many species are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, road traffic and the loss of old trees and buildings they rely on for nesting. I hope my photography helps you appreciate these remarkable birds and the quiet, hidden lives they lead.