From Rolen Facundo

Northern Boobook (Ninox japonica) or Chocolate Boobook (Ninox randi)

I had another photo session with this Boobook, and this time it was inspired by a shot by fellow photographer Doc Richmond. It was sleeping the whole day, but once in a while, you could see its golden eyes, especially when the lighting was good. If you’re lucky, you will witness it stretching and opening its wings wide with both eyes wide open.

You just need to be patient if you want to see or capture a scene like this. It only opened its eyes because of natural ambient noises nearby, there is absolutely no need to create artificial noise or movement just to force a reaction.

With Jon-jon Salvador, Nel Si, Joey Alfante, Loel Lamela

July 2026

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Canon EOS R5 | Canon EF 500mm f4 ISII USM + 2x TC @1000mm ISO3200 F/8 1/160 secs on a tripod

About the above content about forcing a reaction: There has been a lot of drama and accusations going around the greater owl photography community with folks accusing one another about scaring owls and making noises to get the classic wide eyed face.

It’s been a real pain in the butt to see people accuse each other with no knowledge and take all kinds of sides and positions with nothing being proven.