A Long-Eared Owl is burrito-wrapped in a pine-green towel, held by the thick-gloved hand of a rehabilitator indoors. The owl assays the photographer with expressive yellow eyes. The plumicorns, or "ear tufts" for which the species is so named, are curved like feathery scimitars, with one a tad taller than the other. These tufts are not truly ears (their ears are actually located at the sides of their head, at eye level and concealed). Rather, the tufts are large prominent feathers, and it's not super definitive what they're for, but biologists suggest they help communicate mood and intent to other owls. The tufts are blackish-brown with tawny edges, whereas the owl's facial feathers are a prominent flash of mostly cream and ginger.

The LEOW rests on two towels, green and white, layered in a donut / horseshoe shape. The patient is located inside a large incubator labelled "BIRD BROODER 90", a machine for controlling oxygen, heat and humidity. It is about as long as a shipping container is wide, with a clear hatchback door behind which the owl watches the photographer, head turned to the side.

A close-up crop of the Long-eared Owl resting on the green towel, being given the best possible care one could hope for.