24 June 2009

Spotted eagle-owl; Nyika Plateau, Malawi

OwlI love owls. I think this is a spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus). I spotted it (not that that's why it's called spotted) near the airstrip on the Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi, just before dark. I stopped, dialled the ISO to 1600 and managed three photos before heading back to camp (driving after dark is not allowed). I'd been hoping to see a leopard, but this was nice compensation for not seeing the big cat. A little further on, I came across a nightjar sitting on the road, too.
[Photographed 24 May 2007.]
All content © 2009 Pete McGregor

7 comments:

D.V.A. said...

wow
how majestic. it's a great specimen. congratulations

Batteson.Ind said...

He's a beuatiful fella alright! You were so blessed to catch him!

Zhoen said...

He's got that rumpled, just-got-up look. Those soft feathers.

herhimnbryn said...

Did he swivel hs head to watch you? Gorgeous shot.
We are fortunate to have a Tawney Frog Mouth owl residing in our garden and most evenings at twilight, he is there on the same tree branch and he turns to watch me at the log shed.

pohanginapete said...

D.V.A.; Watercats: thanks! I was certainly lucky to get this chance.

Zhoen, yes, I like the rumpled-up look; it does give a softer feel.

HHnB, yes, the first photo is almost identical except it's looking straight ahead. And that tawny frogmouth must be a wonderful sight. I like it when I get to recognise the same individual; it's like getting acquainted.

michael.offworld said...

I dream about owls sometimes. They're said to be guardians.

pohanginapete said...

Michael, they seem to figure prominently in the mythologies of so many cultures. I didn't know about their being guardians, but I can see how it arose. Thanks.