Right outside our tent in Kenya, two African scops owls would just be getting home each morning while we headed out, and just starting their hunt each evening while we were heading in. During daylight, you really had to look closely to find them as they perched in a different spot each day and had great camouflage. In fact, if threatened, they’re known to elongate their bodies and narrow their eyes to mimic a broken branch, making them nearly invisible. We were careful not to disturb them, however, when they were at rest. This image was taken at night, on our way to dinner, using the light from our guard’s flashlight. They told us they were pearl-spotted owlets, which I was skeptical of. Once home, I realized my hunch was right and they were scops owls. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1600, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second, flashlight.
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Right outside our tent in Kenya, two African scops owls would just be getting home each morning while we headed out, and just starting their hunt each evening while we were heading in. During daylight, you really had to look closely to find them as they perched in a different spot each day and had great camouflage. In fact, if threatened, they’re known to elongate their bodies and narrow their eyes to mimic a broken branch, making them nearly invisible. We were careful not to disturb them, however, when they were at rest. This image was taken at night, on our way to dinner, using the light from our guard’s flashlight. They told us they were pearl-spotted owlets, which I was skeptical of. Once home, I realized my hunch was right and they were scops owls. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1600, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second, flashlight.
Odd looking owl.
Very plain looking. And tiny.
If it were not for the eyes, it does look like wood.
True. Especially in the daytime when their eyes are closed.
Great shot
Thanks Tom.
Blends as wood ~ until the EyEEs!
You should have saved this very spooky photo for Halloween week! I love that only half of his body is illuminated. Great great shot!