Karen McNally, Talon Touchdown (ANIMALS 2024)

I’m fascinated by Great Grey Owls, more so since I spent time observing them in the boreal forest habitat of Western Canada earlier this year. This owl had been hunting in a snowy field and flew back to the perch after an unsuccessful attempt plunging into the snow after prey. The streaky patterns on their feathers and layers of contrast in their wings make the Great Grey Owl a wonderful black and white subject. Photo taken with telephoto lens from a responsible distance, no baits or calls used.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.