Strong winds may break old trees. The break is often at a weak point, such as an old black woodpecker's nest.
The result is a tall stump. It is hollowed out from above, by corroding rot fungi. The Ural owl's favourite nesting place is such a stump with a view. It lives in evergreen forests in Northern and Central Sweden.
It is hot-headed by nature, and intruders are attacked with ferocious determination.
The show begins with a threat: forward leaning body and fixed stare. A sudden flying attack aimed at the victim's head.
Watch out for the eight razor-sharp claws !