SUMMARY
Photographer Francisco Castro Escobar captured a rare image of the Lesser Horned Owl in northern Chile, an elusive bird often called the 'ghost of the desert.' The shot, taken after hours of patient tracking in a unique desert landscape, earned the Grand Prize in the Audubon Photography Awards. This competition celebrates photographers who highlight the beauty and challenges faced by birds. The winning image features the owl perched on a cactus, its intense yellow eyes a striking contrast against its face.
TAKEAWAYS
Francisco Castro Escobar won the Audubon Photography Awards Grand Prize.
The winning photo features the rare Lesser Horned Owl in Chile.
The owl is nicknamed the 'ghost of the desert' due to its rarity.
The image was captured using a Sony A7 IV and a Sony FE 200-600mm lens.