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.
Chocolate you say??
Nmyup nmyup
Do not be tempted by chocolate themed science names!
I was receiving some petri dishes and one case was labeled chocolate agar. Looks pretty decent as well.
I googled it, and it contains no chocolate whatsoever, and is actually slow-cooked blood! 🤢 It’s just named for the color. I’m sure at least a few lab assistants have been hazed at some point.
Pfft. Fine. I’ll stick to imagining toasted-marshmallow Barnies.
You’re a grown adult, I’m not going to tell you what to slurp or not, I’m just saying consider checking the ingredients carefully first! 😅
I have a chocolate owl I still haven’t eaten from Valentine’s since it’s too darn cute!
