Spending time with Long-eared Owls is always one of the highlights of my year, and this summer was no exception. Every season brings something different, and 2025 offered a unique blend of close encounters, fascinating behaviour, and moments that will stick with me for a long time.
Unlike previous years where the juveniles often stole the spotlight, this time it was the adults that showed particularly well—especially during the warm, still evenings. That said, there were still plenty of opportunities to watch the younger birds as they began venturing out. One of the families had just a single juvenile, which was still quite downy and shy, while another brood, with three well-grown young, was much more active and advanced.
Each evening brought a different rhythm—sometimes quiet, sometimes chaotic. It’s always a joy to witness their antics: curious stares, playful bickering, awkward flights between perches, and those big orange eyes constantly scanning the undergrowth. One moment that really stood out was watching a juvenile spend over half an hour attempting to swallow an enormous rat. I’d never seen anything quite like it—it was both impressive and slightly comical in equal measure.
As the evenings grow darker and quieter, I’m already looking forward to what next spring might bring.
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