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Wildlife Photographer Shares Deep Connection With Owl In Once-In-A-Lifetime Encounter

June 12, 2025

A wildlife photographer and birdwatcher experienced a breathtaking moment of connection with a Lesser Horned Owl—and it’s leaving nature lovers in awe.

Emin Yogurtcuoglu, known as "birddetective" on social media, spent three days observing the owls from a respectful distance. But what started as quiet observation turned into something unforgettable.

“One of the most special moments of my life,” Yogurtcuoglu wrote. “I’ve witnessed countless unique events in nature and observed over 4,000 bird species around the world. I will never forget the connection I had with this Lesser Horned Owl.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emin Yogurtcuoglu (@birddetective)

In videos that have captured hearts online, the owl can be seen standing just a couple of feet away from him, calm and unbothered. At one point, he even gently pets the owl—and it doesn’t flinch, fly away, or show any fear. It just stays with him.

According to Yogurtcuoglu, the female owl had been with her mate when she unexpectedly approached him.

“At sunset, the male hooted into the female’s ear. Then the female took flight and came toward me,” he explained. “She passed just 50 cm away from me. Normally, owls fly silently, but she was so close I could hear her wings cutting through the air.”

The owl stayed near him for a long time, hooting softly—not as a warning, but almost in conversation. Yogurtcuoglu began responding in "owlish," and while she didn’t seem to be fooled, she didn’t mind either.

“She accepted me as I was,” he said. “Allowing them to observe me as a human, setting aside humanity’s negative traits, and giving time for an exchange of knowledge between two beings—this thought crossed my mind.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Emin Yogurtcuoglu (@birddetective)

For three days, he returned to spend time with the owls, forming a quiet, peaceful bond. And although he had to move on, he said the encounter left a lasting impression.

“I think I developed a feeling that I could spend at least a year with them,” he shared. “I’m on a long road to encounter countless manifestations of love and life.”