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


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.

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.

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.

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.

