Young long-eared owls, recently out of their nests, have been observed in St. Petersburg parks. These fledglings, though nearly the size of adult birds, still rely on their parents for sustenance and protection.

Biologist Pavel Glazkov noted on June 9 that the owlets, photographed by nature photographer Stanislav Krutovertsev, have left the nest to strengthen their muscles and practice flying and hunting. Despite their imposing size and serious expressions, their downy feathers indicate their young age.

Glazkov cautions park visitors against approaching or handling the fledglings. Parent owls are known to aggressively defend their offspring and can inflict serious injuries to humans.

The presence of these young owls is part of a larger trend of fledglings – young animals unable to fly – being seen throughout St. Petersburg.