Filip Molcan

Another shot from National Park Bohemian Switzerland – wildlife workshop with Ondra Prosický in 2009. Aegolius funereus breeds in dense coniferous forests also across northern North America, and in mountain ranges such as the Alps and the Rockies. It lays 3-6 eggs in a tree hole. Across much of Europe, and to a lesser extent in Asia and North America, naturalists and biologists put up nest boxes for these and other small owls.

Nikon D3, Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 + TC – ISO 800, 400mm

This smallish owl eats mainly voles and other mammals but also birds as well as insects and other invertebrates. It is largely nocturnal, though in the northern most parts of its range, it is forced to hunt during daylight because of the very short nights in summer.

Photo from last year’s wildlife workshop with Ondra Prosický in National Park Bohemian Switzerland, Czech Republic.

Nikon D3, Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 + TC2.0

The Atlantic Puffin is a seabird species in the auk family. It is a pelagic bird that feeds primarily by diving for fish, but also eats other sea creatures, such as squid and crustaceans. Its most obvious characteristic is its brightly coloured beak during the breeding seasons. Also known as the Common Puffin, it is the only puffin species which is found in the Atlantic Ocean. The curious appearance of the bird, with its colourful huge bill and its striking piebald plumage, has given rise to nicknames such as “clown of the ocean” and “sea parrot”.

Photo taken on Skellig Islands in Ireland, 2009.