Unknown owl cuties in South Africa - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (1 Viewer)

[Ralph Timmermann]

A trio of young owls is preparing for a good day's sleep in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on 15th November 2011. As much as I like the picture, I was unable to identify them in Newman's Bird of Southern Africa. Can somebody help?

Thanks and best regards,
Ralph

 

[Andy Adcock]

Spotted Eagle Owl, we found a group like this when we were in Karoo NP


A

 

[Ralph Timmermann]

Thank you - that was quick!! But I am right assuming they are juveniles / subadults, am I not?

And this (see attachment) is the adult version of that same species, right? Newman's says a rufous form with orange eyes occurs - though less commonly. First time I spot anything other than "common" or "very common"

(same day, different location though)

Thanks again!
Ralph

 

[Andy Adcock]

Thank you - that was quick!! But I am right assuming they are juveniles / subadults, am I not?

And this (see attachment) is the adult version of that same species, right? Newman's says a rufous form with orange eyes occurs - though less commonly. First time I spot anything other than "common" or "very common"

(same day, different location though)

Thanks again!
Ralph

Correct on all counts.
I actually double checked the book because of the eye colour to make sure we weren't dismissing the rarer Cape Eagle Owl.


A

 

[Ralph Timmermann]

I never see anything rare - THANK YOU though

 

[Jos Stratford]

I actually double checked the book because of the eye colour to make sure we weren't dismissing the rarer Cape Eagle Owl.

Always worth double checking, but Cape Eagle Owl doesn't occur in Kgalagadi anyhow, just Spotted Eagle Owl and Verreaux's Eagle Owl.