Hilux 4x4 Forum

Every night I get this new visitor that comes and sits on our front gate post. Got two pics of of it before it flies away. It is a spotted eagle owl, I think.

Extract " Sasol eBirds". The most common large owl. Most birds are greyish; told from Cape Eagle-Owl by smaller size (especially smaller feet), lack of dark breast patches, finely (not boldly) barred belly and flanks, and yellow (not orange) eyes. Rare rufous morph is more heavily blotched and has orange-yellow eyes; best distinguished from Cape Eagle-Owl by its smaller feet and call. Juv. is browner, with shorter ear tufts. Large fledglings out of the nest still retain fluffy, white down around the head. Voice: Male gives deep ‘hoo-huuu', often followed by female's ‘huu-ho-huuu', with second note higher pitched; softer and less penetrating than Cape Eagle-Owl. Hisses and clicks when alarmed. Status and biology: Common resident in all habitats except forest; often in gardens.

Yep, Eagle Owl! They can be quite bold. I have slowly approached to within 5 metres of them, quite easy if you avert you gaze .... they know when you at looking at them.

Very cool,they are stunning creatures

I have been thinking for a while of making a nest for them and putting it up near the house so that I can watch them.

Great Idea, where I'm living near Lephalale there is an abundance of bird life.

Got to see a 1.5m puff adder in our garden today, a 2 + something green mamba about 2 weeks ago and a huge python about two months ago, lots of other little snakes.
T