Our contributing birdwatchers discovered three "magical" trees in east China that have attracted some special residents: over 10 long-eared owls.
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 1. /Fang Qiaoran
Fang Qiaoran was in Yancheng City, east China's Jiangsu Province, earlier this month to photograph some migratory cranes that stopped by the wetland there, when stories about a "magical tree of long-eared owls" caught her attention. She decided to travel there to see the "magic" for herself.
At first glance, the three ordinary-looking trees in a small yard left her unimpressed, then the hidden dwellers popped into her camera frame one after another. One, two, three ... 14 altogether!
The experienced birdwatcher, who knows how hard it is to photograph a single nocturnal bird, suddenly realized how the trees earned their nickname. It then became a feast for her camera.
She later learned that the trees have served as an "owl hotel" every winter for over 10 years. One time, over 100 long-eared owls were spotted standing in the trees. What a view that would be, Fang thought to herself.
She has yet to figure out why these trees are so attractive for the owls, but she hopes the owl hotel will keep its doors open for years to come.
Long-eared owl No. 2. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 4. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 6. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 9. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owl No. 10. /Fang Qiaoran
Long-eared owls are medium-sized owls with an extensive breeding range. They have prominent, long ear tufts and feed on small rodents.
More from the contributor:
Birdlover's collection in south China nature reserve
Birds at a city park might surprise you
A black-faced spoonbill swallows fish at S China bay
Bird Lovers' Journal: Looking for owls in SW China's rainforest
Bird lover's journal: Discovery of bee-eater couple raises questions
Bird lover's journal: The beauty lies in uncertainties
Monkey-faced owl couple finds home in SW China botanical garden
Spearhead migratory birds reach S China's Shenzhen
Master fisher enjoys prey in southern China's Shenzhen City
Bird lover's journal: 45 bird species in two days is just not enough
Critically endangered birds forage at sunset on S China beach
Bird lover captures bird endemic to southern China's Hainan island
Bird lover captures strange green magpie in Shenzhen City
(All images provided by Fang Qiaoran)
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)