Owl’s Affection Denied: Hilarious Encounter Captured in the Judean Desert

One of the owls gives his pal a friendly nudge with his head - though his partner looks far from amused and gives him the cold shoulder

The Judean desert became the stage for a charming encounter between two friendly owls, initially captured appearing to engage in play fighting on a sturdy branch. The dynamic unfolded as one owl playfully perched atop the other, indulging in some head-pecking antics. Photographer Amit Haas, recognizing the owls’ behavior as reminiscent of curious children, seized the opportunity to document this delightful interaction.

After giving him a push, the second owl responded with a frustrated flap of his wings, while owl number one looked on in surprise

Following the brief but animated fracas, one of the owls, seemingly undeterred, attempted to mend fences by offering a friendly nudge to its avian companion. However, the recipient of this gesture, embodying an owl’s version of a cold shoulder, remained unresponsive to the reconciliation attempt. The resulting images encapsulate the amusing dynamics of the owl duo’s relationship.

The nudge appeared to be an attempt to kiss and make up with his friend after the two had engaged in a bit of play fighting (pictured)

Amit Haas, an architect from Tel Aviv, Israel, skillfully captured these moments by adopting a discreet approach, using a long lens to photograph the owls from a safe distance. The goal was to observe and document their behavior without spooking the feathered subjects, allowing for an authentic portrayal of the owls’ antics and interactions.

Photographer Amit Haas, from Israel, said the owls looked like two curious children 'playing and exploring their surroundings'

Describing the owls as resembling “two curious children playing and exploring their surroundings,” Amit Haas emphasizes the childlike charm evident in their behavior. The images convey not only the natural playfulness of the birds but also their individual personalities, creating a relatable and endearing narrative for viewers.

Mr Haas was forced to hide and photograph the birds with a long lens in order to prevent spooking them during the fracas
One of the owls - which was photographed in the Judean desert in Israel - peers in the direction of the camera
The hilarious sequence of events captured by Amit Haas in the Judean desert offers a delightful glimpse into the world of these feathered companions. From playful scuffles to attempted reconciliations, the owls’ antics mirror the curiosity and social dynamics seen in young children. As nature unfolds its charming moments, these photographs remind us of the humorous and heartwarming intricacies within the animal kingdom, making the owl encounter in the Judean desert a truly special and entertaining spectacle.