In May 2026, I spent a few rewarding days exploring the forests of northern Slovenia, guided by an experienced local expert in search of owls to observe and photograph. Our journey took us deep into remote mountain landscapes, traveling along forest roads that climbed well above 1000 meters in elevation. The changing light, dense spruce forests, and quiet atmosphere created ideal conditions as we visited many selected locations known for species such as the Ural Owl and the Eurasian Pygmy Owl.

Throughout the trip, there were many memorable moments, each offering its own unique atmosphere and photographic challenge. However, one scene stood out above all others. At the very end of our tour, just as the light was beginning to fade, we encountered a remarkably calm Ural Owl. Perched quietly and seemingly undisturbed by our presence, it gradually relaxed to the point of literally falling asleep in front of the camera. It was a rare and intimate moment, and one that perfectly captured the stillness and magic of these forests.

Although we were ultimately unsuccessful in locating the elusive Boreal Owl and had hoped to encounter a dark morph of the Ural Owl, the experience was far from disappointing. The forests were alive with other fascinating species, including the striking Common Firecrest and the impressive Spotted Nutcracker, both of which provided nice observation opportunities.

From a technical perspective, I relied primarily on my 800 mm f/6.3 lens, which proved to be useful for distant subjects and perched birds in the dense forest environment. The reach it provided was invaluable in many situations. However, the trip also highlighted certain limitations: when attempting to capture movement in low-light conditions, such as owls in flight beneath the forest canopy, a faster lens becomes highly advantageous. In these situations, a lens with an aperture around f/2.8 would significantly improve performance and flexibility.

Overall, the trip combined challenging conditions with exceptional wildlife encounters and valuable photographic insights. Many thanks to the team at Fotonatur for organizing such a well-planned and enjoyable experience.