John Parker, New Zealand's Elusive Owl (ANIMAL 2025)

For seven years, I have immersed myself in the secretive world of the Morepork, New Zealand’s elusive native owl. Deep within an ancient kahikatea forest, I have spent countless hours tracking their movements, learning their behaviour, and waiting for the perfect moment to capture their essence. These silent hunters thrive in the shadows, their amber eyes piercing the darkness as they navigate the dense bush. Each encounter has revealed something new—subtle interactions, hunting techniques, and fleeting moments of vulnerability. Through patience and dedication, I have sought to document not just the Morepork itself, but the mystery and quiet beauty of its nocturnal realm, bringing its hidden world into the light.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.