23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
ancient owl

This photograph from Ellora Caves in India shows a spotted owlet nestled in a crevice of the ancient basalt walls. These rugged textures and cracks are part of the Deccan Traps, vast volcanic formations created by massive lava flows nearly 55 million years ago. Over time, the hardened basalt became the foundation for Ellora’s rock-cut monuments, and today, it also provides shelter for wildlife.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Aurangabad, India
Camera: NIKON D7500
Copyright: © Sarthak Agrawal