Surprise in the field: Guy Levian, deputy director of the Marine Unit at the Nature and Parks Authority, was on his way home from work, and by complete chance saw a little owl standing alone on a cliff in the Ashdod beach area. As an amateur photographer, Guy wanted to document the impressive bird of prey, but did not expect the surprise that came his way.
"I finished professional activity in the Ashdod beach area, and while I was driving in the field I saw a male little owl standing on the cliff," Levian said. "I wanted to document the beautiful bird of prey so I pulled over and waited quietly in order to photograph it. After a few minutes I saw movement near the male, and then a female appeared at his side along with four fledglings. At that moment I realized I was in an area where nesting had occurred. I made sure not to move and to keep a distance from the birds and the nest. I had a long-distance photo lens so I could shoot without disturbing the nest and the family."
According to him, he received an exciting glimpse into the family life of the little owl. "I was privileged to see them eating, playing with each other – this is magic that not everyone gets to see," he concludes. "When we respect nature, keep our distance and watch it from the side – we are exposed to its true beauty – and thus do not harm it."
The little owl: An efficient and excellent hunter
The Nature and Parks Authority explains that the little owl is a small nocturnal bird of prey, which can be seen in rural areas and natural spaces in Israel. The little owl is also active during the day and at twilight, and can be seen standing on fences, electricity poles, piles of stones and abandoned buildings – hence its Hebrew name. Its appearance is unique: Its body is stocky and covered with feathers in shades of brown, gray and white that give it perfect camouflage. Its head is wide and its eyes are yellow and large, giving it an almost human look. When it feels threatened or curious, it tends to bow rapidly and move its head up and down in a characteristic manner.
"The little owl is an efficient and excellent hunter, feeding mainly on large insects, small rodents, reptiles and even small songbirds." explains Dr. Dotan Rotem, open spaces ecologist at the Nature and Parks Authority. "In the ancient world and Greek mythology it was identified with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war (hence its scientific name Athene noctua), and symbolized wisdom and knowledge. Despite its impressive image, the little owl currently faces significant challenges, including secondary poisoning from agricultural pesticides and loss of living spaces. Protecting large natural areas but also extensive agricultural areas is essential to ensure that its unique calls, which sound like a wail or a choked laugh, will continue to accompany our nights."
Summer – The end of the nesting season
At this time of year, birds are at the end of the nesting season. Fledged chicks now accompany their parents outside the nesting site. This is also the case with the little owl family. Young individuals that can already fly are still dependent on their parents for food supply, until they learn to hunt on their own. "During the period of nest establishment and nesting itself, one should not approach nests so as not to disturb the individuals in the nest, lest they abandon the nest and the chicks be lost. In the period when the chicks fly and leave the nest, extra caution should be exercised and they should be photographed from a safe distance. Long-focus lenses or means that allow photography through a telescope should be used. In any case, do not approach – and do not startle them from their place," Dr. Rotem adds.
The Nature and Parks Authority adds that if you come across an active nest, make sure you are far away and not disturbing the parents and the fledglings. Do not attempt to approach the nest under any circumstances – shoot only from a distance while showing respect to the animals.