The Great Grey Owl
A Magical Spring with Unforgettable Encounters
At the beginning of spring, my friend Joris and I had a rare opportunity to witness a pair of Great Grey Owls during their mating season. On a remote clear-felled area outside Västerås, we were amazed to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat. This encounter was a magical and educational experience that deepened my passion for wildlife photography and gave me a greater understanding of the mysterious life of the Great Grey Owl.
What made this particular owl so interesting were the calls it was making, which I didn't recognize. After some research, I learned that these were its mating calls.
In early spring, I was granted a unique chance to observe a pair of Great Grey Owls during their mating season. It was mid-April when Joris and I discovered a Great Grey Owl perched on a stump in a clearing about an hour outside Västerås. We were completely captivated by this rare encounter; the owl stood on the stump, surveying the clearing, seeming very calm in our presenc. We took the opportunity to photograph this impressive bird.
What made this particular owl so interesting were the calls it was making, which I didn't recognize. After some research, I learned that these were its mating calls.
Suddenly, another Great Grey Owl flew into the clearing. Our excitement soared when we realized that there were now two Great Grey Owls in the same clearing. The new arrival began hunting actively while the first one remained on the stump. It was an unforgettable moment, and Joris and I knew that this was an experience we might never witness again. We felt both happy and proud that nature had gifted us with something so unique—an experience that might only happen once in a lifetime.
The first time I saw a Great Grey Owl, I was struck by a magical sense of awe
The next day, at the same time, both owls appeared again. Once more, the pattern repeated: one owl made mating calls while the other hunted. There's something special about being alone in the quiet forest, watching these owls live their lives. The dynamics between them can change quickly; suddenly, one owl flew in with a vole and passed it to the other, which immediately after began mating.
We could hardly believe our eyes. Everything happened so fast, but I managed to capture a few shots of this euphoric moment. Being part of their mating behavior was an incredible experience.
It turned out that one was a male and the other a female. I read that the female can call out to the male to get his attention, which can signal both her readiness to mate and her need for food. The male responds by coming to her, often with a caught vole or another small rodent as a gift. This food transfer is part of their mating ritual and strengthens the bond between them, as well as demonstrates his ability to provide for her and their future offspring.
I returned to the clearing almost every day for three weeks, both before and after work, and was able to witness this ritual several times. Despite early mornings, late evenings, and sometimes poor lighting, I managed to take some photos, and I am very grateful for that. This experience has deepened my respect for these beautiful creatures and shown me how much there is to learn from nature.
Being out in the wild and experiencing moments like these, while learning more about the behavior and lifestyle of the Great Grey Owl, is something I am deeply thankful for. The Great Grey Owl was the bird that ignited my passion for wildlife and bird photography. The first time I saw a Great Grey Owl, I was struck by a magical sense of awe—a feeling that remains just as strong, if not stronger, with every encounter with this beautiful and mysterious silent hunter.
Perhaps I disturbed them with my presence, or maybe there was a shortage of voles or the female was unable to lay eggs.
After three weeks, their behavior began to change. They didn't appear in the clearing as often, possibly because the female was now incubating her eggs while the male provided her with food. I hope their nesting is successful and that new Great Grey Owls will have the chance to grow up and contribute to increasing the population of these fantastic birds.
Mysteriously, they eventually stopped appearing. Day after day, I stood in the same spot without seeing any sign of them. I began to wonder what might have happened—perhaps I disturbed them with my presence, or maybe there was a shortage of voles or the female was unable to lay eggs. I never ventured into the forest to look for their nest, as I felt I didn't have enough knowledge to do so without disturbing them. Still, I hope they are doing well and have better luck next year.
As a wildlife photographer, you encounter many people—from other photographers and birdwatchers to nature and outdoor enthusiasts. You get to know some of them, learn from others, and find inspiration in them. You also reflect on yourself through them: who do you want to be out there, and what is the purpose of what you do?
I remember when I first started photographing animals and birds. I love being outdoors and have a great passion for fly fishing, nature, travel, and discovering new places and cultures. Through other knowledgeable people, I have learned to respect the animal kingdom and its home. Although it can sometimes feel frustrating when politics and power seem to take precedence over the environment, I am convinced that we can make a difference together. This realization sparks a strong desire within me to contribute to positive change and to spread the understanding of how important nature is to all of us.
Nature and the future of biodiversity are also our future. By working together and taking responsibility, we can ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Since the Great Grey Owl is such a secretive and elusive creature, I want to give others the chance to experience the same feeling I get during each unique encounter through my photos. I hope you enjoy my pictures.
