Story of Survival: From Birth to Flight

Due to the pandemic's restrictions on travel, renowned Emirati photographer Ali Bin Thalith redirected his camera lens closer to home, the UAE desert. Embarking on a journey of observation, Ali documented a mated pair of Desert Eagle Owls, precisely when they hatched a trio of Owlets. Over a span of three months, from February 10th to May 17th, Ali meticulously captured every aspect of the owls' lives, including the way they eat, sleep and their hunting endeavours—providing a glimpse into their daily routines.

The images and videos offer vivid portrayals of the baby hatchlings, showcasing the mother owl's patient anticipation as she awaited the father's arrival with sustenance while diligently safeguarding the owlets from potential threats. The collection showcases the owls' prey, the jerboa, and the owl pellets, known as ‘roubaya’, which consist of minuscule jerboa bones. Moreover, they provide a fascinating perspective on the owlets as they mature into self-reliant adult Desert Eagle Owls.

During his remarkable journey, Ali bin Thalith, felt that the experience encouraged him to acquire a sense of patience, synchronized with the desert's rhythm and the daily life of the owls.