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This striking image captures a short-eared owl perched calmly on a slender branch, showcasing its distinctive facial disc and intense gaze. The muted tones of its feathers blend seamlessly with the blurred greenery behind it, highlighting the bird’s natural camouflage. Photographed by Sergei Puponin, this photo offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of Europe’s most elusive raptors, often seen hunting at dusk or dawn in open fields.