STRIX ALUCO

Tawny Owl Photography

Tawny Owls are one of the UK’s most familiar owls by sound, yet they can be remarkably difficult to actually see. Their nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage mean that spotting an adult during daylight can be extremely challenging, even when you know there are birds living nearby.

One of the best opportunities to find and photograph Tawny Owls comes during the breeding season. The chicks leave the nest before they are able to fly properly, a behaviour known as branching, and can often be found sitting surprisingly conspicuously on branches close to the nest site.

Finding a branching chick can also provide a clue to the whereabouts of the adults. Mum and dad are rarely far away, often roosting quietly amongst the surrounding trees while keeping watch over their young. Careful observation can sometimes reveal an adult that would otherwise have remained completely hidden.

These encounters require particular care, especially with young birds present, so I always keep disturbance to an absolute minimum and allow the owls to dictate the encounter.

The gallery below brings together some of my favourite Tawny Owl images, all photographed ethically and without baiting.