トラフズク / Long-eared Owl

Early in the morning, as I was walking adjacent to a field, I saw an unfamiliar silhouette fluttering by. It looked like a raptor being chased by a crow, but it was kind of fat.

トラフズク / Long-eared Owl

I thought so, but it was a Long-eared Owl. I judged it by the orange color of its iris and the hawkspot on the tip of its wing. It was the first time I had ever encountered one up close, so I concentrated on trying not to miss it.

トラフズク / Long-eared Owl
トラフズク / Long-eared Owl

Once it hid in the bushes, but it seemed that the crows were persistent in their pursuit and reappeared.
And closer than before!

トラフズク / Long-eared Owl

The best shot (with cropping) was taken in a series of shots at full speed, and even the face was captured sharply. In the second and third shots above, the ear feathers were visible, but this one was retracted.
After the next one was hidden, no matter how long I waited, it did not appear. Thank you for this rare encounter. Thank you, crows.

トラフズク / Long-eared Owl
トラフズク / Long-eared Owl | Nikon D500 + AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

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