(surnia ulula)
The Hawk Owl (or Northern Hawk Owl) is a widespread species with its range in the boreal forests all the way round the northern hemisphere in Europe, Asia and North America. It is most commonly seen perched on top of a dead tree which gives it a wide field of view over a cleared area. It is partly diurnal so can often be seen in the daytime. On our Finland trip we had expected to find a Hawk Owl without much trouble but in fact did not see one until the last morning.