I spy with my little eye

‘I know I'm not welcome here.’ That seems to be what the little owl is saying as it peeks out from behind a rock in Ćemovsko Polje, watching me silently. Ćemovsko Polje is a vast grassland near the city of Podgorica and the last of its kind in Montenegro. I was there that afternoon to enjoy the sunset, but my attention was distracted by the call of a little owl. 

The call came from the direction of a rubbish dump – rubbish that had been illegally dumped in this precious habitat, endangering the rare, protected species that still live there. I took a closer look, incredulous to see the bird in this place. As I approached, I spotted the little owl behind a pile of stones, looking at me. I sat down in the grass, watching the bird calmly. It was probably nesting among the blocks of stone brought here in the form of rubble. 

It never ceases to amaze me: no matter how badly their habitat has been destroyed, birds still find a way to survive. This unexpected encounter was brief but powerful. In the bird's eyes, I read a clear message: ‘Even though I don't feel welcome, this is still my home.’ 

Translation: Katharina Grund
 

Marija Šoškić Popović has always been interested in photography. Her role model was her father, who captured nature with analogue cameras. She got her first camera in 2015 and has enjoyed photography ever since – especially wildlife, mountains and forests. It takes her away to a peaceful world, inspiring her to learn more about the species she photographs. Some of Marija's photos have already been exhibited and published in National Geographic Serbia. Marija Šoškić Popović works as a senior ornithologist for EuroNatur's Montenegrin partner organisation CZIP. Together, we are protecting important bird habitats along the Adriatic Flyway.