Some wildlife encounters require patience, persistence, and just a little bit of luck. That was certainly the case when I set out to see my first Northern Hawk-Owl at Humleore Skovdistrikt near Ringsted on Zealand. For several days sightings of this rare bird was reported on the national ornithology database, so I decided to see it with my own eyes.

After work, I drove for about an hour and a half, eager to witness this rare visitor. However, upon arrival, I was met with disappointment—the gathered photographers and birders informed me that the owl had just vanished. It was frustrating but only made me more determined to try again.

The next evening, I returned, hoping for better luck. And this time, I was rewarded. As the light began to fade, the Northern Hawk-Owl appeared. What a breathtaking moment! Though the conditions were not ideal, I managed to capture a few images that document this special encounter.

The photos were taken on my Sony A1 with the Sony 200-600mm lens and later processed using Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Topaz Sharpen AI to bring out the details despite the low light.

This experience reminded me why I love wildlife photography—it’s not just about the images but about the journey, the patience, and the thrill of finally seeing something extraordinary.