Two young owls in northern Israel have recently captured the hearts of many with their sweet, affectionate display on a tree branch.
The owlets, seen near their burrow in the Beit She’an region, were photographed cuddling up to one another and fluffing each other’s feathers in a show of mutual affection.
The images were taken by Vladimir Kogan, an Israeli photographer who spent weeks in the hot sun, patiently waiting for the perfect shot.
Kogan, 44, described how he had to be patient while the owls grew accustomed to his presence. Located in a remote area, the owls initially kept their distance but gradually became less fearful of Kogan’s presence.
Kogan explained that there were seven fledglings in total, but the bond between these two was especially noticeable. “After spending weeks observing them, you really get to know their personalities,” Kogan said. “These two were particularly affectionate and seemed inseparable.”
To capture the moment, Kogan carefully set up a tree branch, hoping the owls would land nearby. His persistence paid off, as he was able to photograph them from just ten meters away.
As time went on, the owlets became more comfortable with Kogan’s presence, allowing him to photograph them freely.
Kogan’s time spent with the owls left him feeling a deep attachment to them, but he knew their time in the nest was nearing its end.
“It was a great feeling to capture these images, but it wasn’t long before they were ready to leave their home,” Kogan reflected.
These heartwarming photographs not only showcase the love between these young owls but also highlight the special connection that can form between animals and the photographers who spend time observing them.
