Night Hunter

Jonas Classon's Image

Having tracked this great grey owl’s every move for weeks, Jonas set out in his car, on the night of a full moon, to capture a photograph of the bird. When he spotted his subject, Jonas cast his headlights towards it and sneaked into the forest. He caught the owl raising its claw, poised to attack a vole.

While this owl’s large, forward-facing eyes enable it to see in dim light, it actually locates its prey by sound. Owls have more sensitive hearing than many other birds and employ this adaptation to their advantage. Using sound alone, great grey owls can even hone in on animals hidden under snow.


Behind the lens

Jonas Classon

Jonas is a bird photographer based in Sweden, but he has had assignments all around the globe. He is fascinated by birds and loves to learn more about their behaviours. The aim of his photography is to spread the beauty of nature and inspire others.

Image details

  • Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
  • 200–400mm f4 lens
  • 1/160 sec at f4  •   ISO 3200
  • Örebro, Närke, Sweden
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