Winning shot - A Black Drongo harassed by a Mottled Wood Owl
Delighted to share that this shot of mine was judged to be the Winner in the Wildlife (Singles) Photos Category in the 2023 edition of the 35 Awards International photo competition. 35awards.com/winners2023/.
The Mottled Wood Owl is a large resident owl endemic to the subcontinent and found around thick woody areas in the countryside and forests close to lakes. This is a true nocturnal owl active at nights and often hard to sight in the day. It sits quietly in the canopy making it hard to see it and we often rely on the ruckus created by birds like Bulbuls, Drongoes and Bee Eaters and determine an owl is around. We sighted this bird on this day after we saw several Drongoes dive bombing and Red Vented bulbuls creating a scene. It was a terribly foggy day and maybe that is why the bird was still awake.
The Owl flew from one tree to another large tree and the Drongoes - 2-3 of them repeatedly tried to peck the head of the Owl and landed on it. The Owl is not an agile flyer, and found itself challenged by the Drongo. It then landed on nearby trees and bore the Drongoes harassment. A few minutes later, the Owl flew back and disappeared into the canopy, while the Drongoes went about their business!
Thank you so much in advance for your views, faves and feedback. Much appreciated.
Winning shot - A Black Drongo harassed by a Mottled Wood Owl
Delighted to share that this shot of mine was judged to be the Winner in the Wildlife (Singles) Photos Category in the 2023 edition of the 35 Awards International photo competition. 35awards.com/winners2023/.
The Mottled Wood Owl is a large resident owl endemic to the subcontinent and found around thick woody areas in the countryside and forests close to lakes. This is a true nocturnal owl active at nights and often hard to sight in the day. It sits quietly in the canopy making it hard to see it and we often rely on the ruckus created by birds like Bulbuls, Drongoes and Bee Eaters and determine an owl is around. We sighted this bird on this day after we saw several Drongoes dive bombing and Red Vented bulbuls creating a scene. It was a terribly foggy day and maybe that is why the bird was still awake.
The Owl flew from one tree to another large tree and the Drongoes - 2-3 of them repeatedly tried to peck the head of the Owl and landed on it. The Owl is not an agile flyer, and found itself challenged by the Drongo. It then landed on nearby trees and bore the Drongoes harassment. A few minutes later, the Owl flew back and disappeared into the canopy, while the Drongoes went about their business!
Thank you so much in advance for your views, faves and feedback. Much appreciated.